Immunosuppressive activity is attenuated by Astragalus polysaccharides through remodeling the gut microenvironment in melanoma mice

Advancements in immunotherapy for gastric cancer: Unveiling the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors and emerging strategies

Gastric cancer (GC) is linked to high morbidity and mortality rates. Approximately two-thirds of GC patients are diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage. Conventional treatments for GC, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, offer limited prognostic improvement. Recently, immunotherapy has gained attention for its promising therapeutic effects in various tumors. Immunotherapy functions by activating and regulating the patient's immune cells to target and eliminate tumor cells, thereby reducing the tumor burden in the body. Among immunotherapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the most advanced. ICIs disrupt the inhibitory protein-small molecule (PD-L1, CTLA4, VISTA, TIM-3 and LAG3) interactions produced by immune cells, reactivating these cells to recognize and attack tumor cells. However, adverse reactions and resistance to ICIs hinder their further clinical and experimental development. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the advancements in ICIs for GC is crucial. This article discusses the latest developments in clinical trials of ICIs for GC and examines combination therapies involving ICIs (targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), alongside ongoing clinical trials. Additionally, the review investigates the tumor immune microenvironment and its role in non-responsiveness to ICIs, highlighting the function of tumor immune cells in ICI efficacy. Finally, the article explores the prospects and limitations of new immunotherapy-related technologies, such as tumor vaccines, nanotechnologies, and emerging therapeutic strategies, aiming to advance research into personalized and optimized immunotherapy for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.

Tumor Microenvironment Targeted by Polysaccharides in Cancer Prevention: Expanding Roles of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites

Since the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), immunotherapy has been widely used as a novel cancer treatment. However, the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy is largely dependent on the tumor microenvironment (TME). The high degree of heterogeneity within TME remains a major obstacle to acquire satisfactory therapeutic. Emerging studies suggest that gut microbiota is becoming an important regulator of TME. Polysaccharides as tumor immunotherapeutic agents or immune adjuvants not only exhibit antitumor activity by targeting gut microbiota, but also expand their role in the tumor immunotherapy by remodeling TME. To date, the mechanism by which polysaccharides targeting TME for tumor prevention via gut microbiota has not been deeply investigated. In this review, recent advances in the regulation of TME by polysaccharides through gut microbiota were systematically outlined, and the challenges and possible solutions in the clinical application of TME-targeted polysaccharides were discussed. Exploring the relationship between polysaccharides and TME from the perspective of gut microbiota may provide new ideas for the application of polysaccharides in tumor immunotherapy. This is a new area with major challenges that deserve further exploration.

Th17/Treg balance is regulated during the suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis treated by Astragalus polysaccharides via the microbiota-gut-brain axis

The Th17/Treg imbalance is an important cause of immune cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS) in multiple sclerosis (MS). The gut microbiota affects the Th17/Treg balance in the gut and in distal areas, such as the CNS, which further contributes to the onset and progression of MS. Our previous studies have shown that Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has a role in alleviating the clinical symptoms and demyelination of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, a classic MS model. However, the mechanism of action is not fully understood. In this study, we found that APS suppressed inflammation and regulated the Th17/Treg balance in the CNS and peripheral blood of EAE mice. It was further shown that APS inhibited gut inflammation and reduced Th17 function. The experiment with an antibiotic cocktail interfering with the gut microbiota proved that APS alleviated EAE by regulating the gut microbiota. Through 16S rRNA sequencing, we showed that APS regulated gut microbiota diversity and composition in EAE mice. Then, we found that APS regulated metabolite composition in feces and plasma, thus altering gut and blood metabolic functions. Metabolites related to this pathway, including sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), ADP, and ATP, were downregulated by APS. The levels of bile acid metabolites such as taurochenodeoxycholate-7-sulfate and N-palmitoyl aspartic acid were upregulated by APS. In summary, our study demonstrated that APS exerts a suppressive effect on EAE by regulating gut microbiota composition, affecting metabolite composition, and improving the Th17/Treg balance in the peripheral blood and CNS.

Cryptotanshinone alleviates immunosuppression in endometriosis by targeting MDSCs through JAK2/STAT3 pathway

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis (EMS), a well-recognized chronic inflammatory disorder, characterized by significant immune dysregulation, in which myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are essential for facilitating immunosuppression and driving to disease progression. Cryptotanshinone (CTS) is an active compound capable of modulating MDSC-mediated immunosuppression; however, its therapeutic effects and mechanisms in the treatment of EMS remain unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of CTS in modulating MDSCs through JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and to evaluate its effects on immune microenvironment and endometriotic lesion growth in EMS.

METHODS

Transcriptomic data (GSE141549) and single-cell RNA sequencing data (GSE213216) were analyzed to compare immune cell populations in control endometrium (CE), eutopic endometrium (EuE) and ectopic endometrium (EcE) of patients with EMS. Network pharmacology analysis, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were utilized to explore the molecular mechanism of CTS's effects on MDSCs. A C57BL/6J EMS mice model was established to evaluate CTS's influence on MDSC-mediated immune response in vivo. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the immune cell populations, particularly MDSCs and CD8+ T cells. Ex vivo bone marrow (BM)-derived MDSCs were prepared to investigate the modulatory activities of CTS on the frequency and function of MDSCs. The impacts of CTS on JAK2/STAT3 pathway were further examined by western blot.

RESULTS

Bioinformatic analysis revealed that, among the three progression stages (CE, EuE, and EcE), the EcE stage exhibited a relatively elevated level of MDSCs and a reduced level of CD8+ T cells. Network pharmacological analysis, along with SPR and CETSA identified that CTS potentially modulates MDSCs in EMS by targeting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. In vivo studies demonstrated that a relatively high dose of CTS treatment (60mg/kg) effectively inhibited lesion growth, reduced the population of MDSCs, and enhanced CD8+ T cell infiltration. Ex vivo experiments showed that CTS decreased the BM-derived MDSC frequency and rescued the suppressive ability of MDSC upon CD8+ T cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further mechanism analysis confirmed that CTS modulates the expression of immunosuppressive genes and proteins associated with MDSCs through JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to demonstrate that CTS is a promising natural compound for EMS treatment by inhibiting MDSC accumulation and modulating MDSC-mediated immune responses. Its therapeutic efficacy is linked to the modulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Exploratory review on the effect of Astragalus mongholicus on signaling pathways

Background

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge [Fabaceae; Astragali radix] (AM), a traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) botanical drug, has been used for centuries and is gaining growing recognition in medical research for its therapeutic potential. The currently accepted scientific name is Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, with Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge recognized as a taxonomic synonym. This review explores the most relevant scientific studies on AM, focusing on its chemical composition, mechanisms of action, and associated health benefits.

Main body

AM is commonly used in clinical practice to treat diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, oncological processes, lipid metabolism disorders, and ulcerative colitis. Recent research has investigated its potential as a product for anti-aging purposes. These therapeutic effects are attributed to the interactions of bioactive metabolites such as Astragaloside IV, Formononetin, and polysaccharides, with various signaling pathways, leading to the activation or inhibition of gene expression. This review aims to map the signaling pathways affected by these metabolites and their effects on different pathologies. Studies suggest that these metabolites act on signaling pathways such as TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, RNA expression, and tumor receptors. However, further research is necessary to validate the findings in human trials with better methodological quality.

Conclusion

AM is rich in bioactive metabolites that interact with various signaling pathways, modulating diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 2, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, lipid metabolism disorders, and ulcerative colitis. Although promising, the majority of the studies are conducted in vitro and animal models, and more rigorous human trials are needed to determine the therapeutic potential of AM.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides on chronic diseases by modulating gut microbiota: A review

Intestinal tract is the largest immune system of human body. Gut microbiota (GM) can produce a large number of metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, which regulate the physiological health of the host and affect the development of disease. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) polysaccharides have attracted extensive attention with multiple biological activities and low toxicity. TCM polysaccharides can promote the growth of intestinal beneficial bacteria and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria by regulating the structure and function of GM, thus playing a crucial role in preventing or treating chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), liver diseases, cancer, etc. In this paper, the research progress of TCM polysaccharides in the treatment of chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, T2DM, liver diseases, cancer, etc. by modulating GM was reviewed. Meanwhile, this review makes an in-depth discussion on the shortcomings of the research of TCM polysaccharides on chronic diseases by modulating GM, and new valuable prospection for the future researches of TCM polysaccharides are proposed, which will provide new ideas for the further study of TCM polysaccharides.

Optimizing CD8+ T cell-based immunotherapy via metabolic interventions: a comprehensive review of intrinsic and extrinsic modulators

CD8+ T cells are integral to the effective management of cancer and infectious diseases due to their cytotoxic functions. The efficacy of these cells is profoundly influenced by their metabolic state, which regulates their activation, differentiation, and longevity. Accordingly, the modulation of metabolic pathways within CD8+ T cells is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of T cell-based immunotherapy. Precise metabolic control is paramount in optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing potential toxicities associated with treatment. Importantly, the potential of exogenous metabolites to augment CD8+ T cell responses is critically evaluated, especially through in vivo evidence that underscores their therapeutic promise. This review also addresses current challenges, including the need for precise control of metabolic modulation to avoid adverse effects, the development of targeted delivery systems to ensure efficient metabolite delivery to CD8+ T cells, and the inherent variability of metabolic states among patients that may influence treatment outcomes. Addressing these hurdles will be crucial for the successful integration of metabolic interventions into established immunotherapeutic regimens.

Microbiome and metabolome analyses indicate variations in the gut microbiota that disrupt regulation of appetite

The mechanism connecting gut microbiota to appetite regulation is not yet fully understood. This study identifies specific microbial community and metabolites that may influence appetite regulation. In the initial phase of the study, mice were administered a broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail (ABX) for 10 days. The treatment significantly reduced gut microbes and disrupted the metabolism of arginine and tryptophan. Consequently, ABX-treated mice demonstrated a notable reduction in feed consumption. The hypothalamic expression levels of CART and POMC, two key anorexigenic factors, were significantly increased, while orexigenic factors, such as NPY and AGRP, were decreased. Notably, the levels of appetite-suppressing hormone cholecystokinin in the blood were significantly elevated. In the second phase, control mice were maintained, while the ABX-treated mice received saline, probiotics, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) for an additional 10 days to restore their gut microbiota. The microbiota reconstructed by probiotic and SCFA treatments were quite similar, while microbiota of the naturally recovering mice demonstrated greater resemblance to that of the control mice. Notably, the abundance of Akkermansia and Bacteroides genera significantly increased in the reconstructed microbiota. Moreover, microbiota reconstruction corrected the disrupted arginine and tryptophan metabolism and the abnormal peripheral hormone levels caused by ABX treatment. Among the groups, SCFA-treated mice had the highest feed intake and NPY expression. Our findings indicate that gut microbes, especially Akkermansia, regulate arginine and tryptophan metabolism, thereby influencing appetite through the microbe-gut-brain axis.

Exploring the immunometabolic potential of Danggui Buxue Decoction for the treatment of IBD-related colorectal cancer

Danggui Buxue (DGBX) decoction is a classical prescription composed of Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR), used to enrich blood, and nourish Qi in Chinese medicine, with the potential to recover energy and stimulate metabolism. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related colorectal cancer (CRC). More importantly, AR and ASR have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, as well as prefiguring a potential effect on inflammation-cancer transformation. We, therefore, aimed to review the immunometabolism potential of DGBX decoction and its components in this malignant transformation, to provide a helpful complement to manage the risk of IBD-CRC. The present study investigates the multifaceted roles of DGBX decoction and its entire components AR and ASR, including anti-inflammation effects, anti-cancer properties, immune regulation, and metabolic regulation. This assessment is informed by a synthesis of scholarly literature, with more than two hundred articles retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases within the past two decades. The search strategy employed utilized keywords such as "Danggui Buxue", "Astragali Radix", "Angelicae Sinensis Radix", "Inflammation", and "Metabolism", alongside the related synonyms, with a particular emphasis on high-quality research and studies yielding significant findings. The potential of DGBX decoction in modulating immunometabolism holds promise for the treatment of IBD-related CRC. It is particularly relevant given the heterogeneity of CRC and the growing trend towards personalized medicine, but the precise and detailed mechanism necessitate further in vivo validation and extensive clinical studies to substantiate the immunometabolic modulation and delineate the pathways involved.

Modulation of PD-L1 by Astragalus polysaccharide attenuates the induction of melanoma stem cell properties and overcomes immune evasion

BACKGROUND

Melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer. The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and tumor immune evasion are two major causes of melanoma progression, but no effective treatment has been found at present. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is a principal active component derived from Astragalus membranaceus, showing anti-tumor effects in various tumors including melanoma. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear.

METHODS

The regulation of APS on self-renewal ability and CSC markers expression in melanoma stem cells (MSCs) was measured by tumor sphere formation and tumorigenicity assays, RT-qPCR, and western blot. Flow cytometry was conducted to evaluate the activation of immune system by APS in melanoma mice. Further, the mechanism was explored based on PD-L1 overexpression and knock-down B16 cells.

RESULTS

APS attenuated the tumor sphere formation of MSCs in vitro as well as the tumorigenicity in vivo. It also decreased the expression of CD133, BMI1 and CD47. Based on the PD-L1 overexpression and knock-down B16 cells, it was confirmed that APS inhibited the induction of MSCs by down-regulating PD-L1 expression. Meanwhile, APS increased the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+T cells in tumor tissues because of its inhibitory effect on PD-L1.

CONCLUSIONS

APS inhibited MSC induction and overcame tumor immune evasion through reducing PD-L1 expression. This study provided compelling evidence that APS could be a prospective therapeutic agent for treating melanoma.

Astragalus polysaccharides-induced gut microbiota play a predominant role in enhancing of intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

The intestinal barrier is the first line of defense against intestinal invasion by pathogens and foreign antigens and is closely associated with the gut microbiota. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine owing to its protective properties against intestinal barrier function. The mechanism of APS-induced gut microbiota enhancing intestinal barrier function is urgently needed.

RESULTS

Dietary polysaccharide deprivation induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, decreased growth performance, altered microbial composition (Faecalibacterium, Dorea, and Coprobacillus), and reduced isobutyrate concentration. The results showed that APS facilitates intestinal barrier function in broiler chickens, including a thicker mucus layer, reduced crypt depth, and the growth of tight junction proteins. We studied the landscape of APS-induced gut microbiota and found that APS selectively promoted the growth of Parabacteroides, a commensal bacterium that plays a predominant role in enhancing intestinal barrier function. An in vitro growth assay further verified that APS selectively increased the abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis and Bacteroides uniformis. Dietary APS supplementation increased the concentrations of isobutyrate and bile acid (mainly chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholate acid) and activated signaling pathways related to intestinal barrier function (such as protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, tight junctions, and adherens junction signaling pathways).

CONCLUSIONS

APS intervention restored the dietary polysaccharide-induced dysfunction of the intestinal barrier by selectively promoting the abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis, and increasing the concentrations of isobutyrate and bile acids (mainly CDCA and DCA). These findings suggest that APS-induced gut microbiota and metabolic niches are promising strategies for enhancing intestinal barrier function.

From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine

The property theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years, playing a pivotal role in the clinical application of TCM. While advancements in energy metabolism, chemical composition analysis, machine learning, ion current modeling, and supercritical fluid technology have provided valuable insight into how aspects of TCM property theory may be measured, these studies only capture specific aspects of TCM property theory in isolation, overlooking the holistic perspective inherent in TCM. To systematically investigate the modern interpretation of the TCM property theory from multidimensional perspectives, we consulted the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) to compile a list of Chinese materia medica (CMM). Then, using the Latin names of each CMM and gut microbiota as keywords, we searched the PubMed database for relevant research on gut microbiota and CMM. The regulatory patterns of different herbs on gut microbiota were then summarized from the perspectives of the four natures, the five flavors and the meridian tropism. In terms of the four natures, we found that warm-natured medicines promoted the colonization of specific beneficial bacteria, while cold-natured medicines boosted populations of some beneficial bacteria while suppressing pathogenic bacteria. Analysis of the five flavors revealed that sweet-flavored and bitter-flavored CMMs positively influenced beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria. CMMs with different meridian tropism exhibited complex modulative patterns on gut microbiota, with Jueyin (Liver) and Taiyin (Lung) meridian CMMs generally exerting a stronger effect. The gut microbiota may be a biological indicator for characterizing the TCM property theory, which not only enhances our understanding of classic TCM theory but also contributes to its scientific advancement and application in healthcare. Please cite this article as: Yang YN, Zhan JG, Cao Y, Wu CM. From ancient wisdom to modern science: Gut microbiota sheds light on property theory of traditional Chinese medicine. J Integr Med 2024; 22(4): 413-445.

Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Curcuma aromatica Salisb. modulate gut microbiome and bile acid metabolism to inhibit colon cancer progression

Introduction

Alterations in the gut microbiome and bile acid metabolism are known to play a role in the development and progression of colon cancer. Medicinal plants like Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (AC) have shown preferable therapeutic effect on cancer therapy, especially digestive tract tumors like colon cancer. However, the precise mechanisms of AC inhibiting colon cancer, particularly in relation to the gut microbiome and bile acid dynamics, are not fully understood.

Methods

Our research aimed to investigate the anti-tumor properties of AC in mice with CT26 colon cancer and further investigate its underlying mechanism via intestinal microbiota. The size and pathological changes of solid tumors in colon cancer are used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of AC on colon cancer. Metagenomics and 16s rRNA gene sequencing were employed to clarify the dysbiosis in the gut microbiome of colon cancer and its impact on colon cancer. The levels of bile acids (BAs) in the feces of mice from each group were measured using UPLC-Qtrap-MS/MS.

Results

AC effectively suppressed the growth of colon cancer and reduced histological damage. Notably, AC treatment led to changes in the gut microbiome composition, with a decrease in pathogenic species like Citrobacter and Candidatus_Arthromitus, and an increase in beneficial microbial populations including Adlercreutzia, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001, and Parvibacter. Additionally, AC altered bile acid profiles, resulting in a significant decrease in pro-carcinogenic bile acids such as deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA), while increasing the concentration of the cancer-inhibitory bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Tracking and analyzing the data, AC may mainly upregulate FabG and baiA genes by increasing the relative abundance of Adlercreutzia and Parvibacter bacteria, which promoting the metabolism of pro-carcinogenic LCA.

Discussion

These findings provide strong evidence supporting the role of AC in regulating gut microbiome-mediated bile acid metabolism, which is crucial in impeding the progression of colon cancer.

Mechanisms of myeloid-derived suppressor cell-mediated immunosuppression in colorectal cancer and related therapies

Severe immunosuppression is a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), one of the most abundant components of the tumor stroma, play an important role in the invasion, metastasis, and immune escape of CRC. MDSCs create an immunosuppressive microenvironment by inhibiting the proliferation and activation of immunoreactive cells, including T and natural killer cells, as well as by inducing the proliferation of immunosuppressive cells, such as regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages, which, in turn, promote the growth of cancer cells. Thus, MDSCs are key contributors to the emergence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in CRC and play an important role in the breakdown of antitumor immunity. In this narrative review, we explore the mechanisms through which MDSCs contribute to the immunosuppressive microenvironment, the current therapeutic approaches and technologies targeting MDSCs, and the therapeutic potential of modulating MDSCs in CRC treatment. This study provides ideas and methods to enhance survival rates in patients with CRC.

Rapid analysis of Radix Astragali using a portable Raman spectrometer with 1064-nm laser excitation and data fusion with PLS-DA

Radix Astragali is a medicinal herb with various physiological activities. There were high similarities among Radix Astragali samples from different regions owing to similarities in their major chemical compositions. Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive and non-des- tructive technique that can be used in in-situ analysis of herbal samples. Dispersive Raman scattering, excited at 1064 nm, produced minimal fluorescence background and facilitated easy detection of the weak Raman signal. By moving the portable Raman probe point-by- point from the centre of the Radix Astragali sample to the margin, the spectral fingerprints, composed of dozens of Raman spectra representing the entire Radix Astragali samples, were obtained. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied to the Radix Astragali spectral data to compare classification results, leading to efficient discrimination between genuine and counterfeit products. Furthermore, based on the PLS-DA model using data fusion combined with different pre- processing methods, the samples from Shanxi Province were separated from those belonging to other habitats. The as-proposed combination method can effectively improve the recognition rate and accuracy of identification of herbal samples, which can be a valuable tool for the identification of genuine medicinal herbs with uneven qualities and various origins.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer Treatment

In recent years, due to advancements in medical conditions and the development of scientific research, the fundamental research of TCM antitumor treatments has progressed from the cellular level to the molecular and genetic levels. Previous studies have demonstrated the significant role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in antitumor therapy through various mechanisms and pathways. Its mechanism of action is closely associated with cancer biology across different stages. This includes inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, blocking invasion and metastasis to surrounding tissues, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, regulating immune function, maintaining genome stability, preventing mutation, and regulating cell energy metabolism. The use of TCM for eliciting antitumor effects not only has a good therapeutic effect and low side effects, it also provides a solid theoretical basis for clinical treatment and medication. This paper reviews the mechanism of the antitumor effects of TCM based on tumor characteristics. Through our review, we found that TCM not only directly inhibits tumors, but also enhances the body's immunity, thereby indirectly inducing an antitumor effect. This function aligns with the TCM theory of "strengthening the body's resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors". Furthermore, TCM will play a significant role in tumor treatment in clinical settings.

The interactions between traditional Chinese medicine and gut microbiota in cancers: Current status and future perspectives

The gut microbiota, known as the "forgotten organ" and "human second genome," comprises a complex microecosystem. It significantly influences the development of various tumors, including colorectal, liver, stomach, breast, and lung cancers, through both direct and indirect mechanisms. These mechanisms include the "gut-liver" axis, the "lung-intestine" axis, and interactions with the immune system. The intestinal flora exhibits dual roles in cancer, both promoting and suppressing its progression. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can alter cancer progression by regulating the intestinal flora. It modifies the intestinal flora's composition and structure, along with the levels of endogenous metabolites, thus affecting the intestinal barrier, immune system, and overall body metabolism. These actions contribute to TCM's significant antitumor effects. Moreover, the gut microbiota metabolizes TCM components, enhancing their antitumor properties. Therefore, exploring the interaction between TCM and the intestinal flora offers a novel perspective in understanding TCM's antitumor mechanisms. This paper succinctly reviews the association between gut flora and the development of tumors, including colorectal, liver, gastric, breast, and lung cancers. It further examines current research on the interaction between TCM and intestinal flora, with a focus on its antitumor efficacy. It identifies limitations in existing studies and suggests recommendations, providing insights into antitumor drug research and exploring TCM's antitumor effectiveness. Additionally, this paper aims to guide future research on TCM and the gut microbiota in antitumor studies.

Advances in research on the anti-tumor mechanism of Astragalus polysaccharides

The dry root of the soybean plant Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge) Hsiao or A. membranaceus (Fisch) Bge, Astragali Radix (AR) has a long medicinal history. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), the natural macromolecule that exhibits immune regulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and other pharmacological activities, is an important active ingredient extracted from AR. Recently, APS has been increasingly used in cancer therapy owing to its anti-tumor ability as it prevents the progression of prostate, liver, cervical, ovarian, and non-small-cell lung cancer by suppressing tumor cell growth and invasion and enhancing apoptosis. In addition, APS enhances the sensitivity of tumors to antineoplastic agents and improves the body's immunity. This macromolecule has prospects for broad application in tumor therapy through various pathways. In this article, we present the latest progress in the research on the anti-tumor effects of APS and its underlying mechanisms, aiming to provide novel theoretical support and reference for its use in cancer therapy.

The triangular relationship between traditional Chinese medicines, intestinal flora, and colorectal cancer

Over the past decade, colorectal cancer has reported a higher incidence in younger adults and a lower mortality rate. Recently, the influence of the intestinal flora in the initiation, progression, and treatment of colorectal cancer has been extensively studied, as well as their positive therapeutic impact on inflammation and the cancer microenvironment. Historically, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the treatment of colorectal cancer via promoted cancer cell apoptosis, inhibited cancer metastasis, and reduced drug resistance and side effects. The present research is more on the effect of either herbal medicine or intestinal flora on colorectal cancer. The interactions between TCM and intestinal flora are bidirectional and the combined impacts of TCM and gut microbiota in the treatment of colon cancer should not be neglected. Therefore, this review discusses the role of intestinal bacteria in the progression and treatment of colorectal cancer by inhibiting carcinogenesis, participating in therapy, and assisting in healing. Then the complex anticolon cancer effects of different kinds of TCM monomers, TCM drug pairs, and traditional Chinese prescriptions embodied in apoptosis, metastasis, immune suppression, and drug resistance are summarized separately. In addition, the interaction between TCM and intestinal flora and the combined effect on cancer treatment were analyzed. This review provides a mechanistic reference for the application of TCM and intestinal flora in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer and paves the way for the combined development and application of microbiome and TCM.

The tumoral microbiome of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: A single-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is one of the most common precancerous lesions of pancreatic carcinoma. Studies have found that the tumoral microbiome has an important influence on pancreatic carcinoma. However, the tumoral microbiome of IPMNs has rarely been explored.

METHODS

Tumoral microbiome gene sequencing was carried out using 16 specimens of IPMN and 45 specimens of IPMN with associated invasive carcinoma (IPMN-IC) by 2bRAD sequencing for microbiome. The profile of the tumoral microbiome was summarized. Associations of the tumoral microbiome with disease grade, histological subtype, and prognosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 598 species of microbes were identified, comprising 228 genera, 109 families, 60 orders, 29 classes, 14 phyla, and 2 kingdoms. The genus Pseudomonas was detected more frequently and had higher relative abundance in IPMN-ICs; Alcaligenes faecalis was detected with higher relative abundance in IPMNs. Bifidobacterium pseudolongum had a higher relative abundance in the IPMN-IC group, regardless of histological subtype. Moreover, among patients with IPMN-ICs, those with a high relative abundance of B. pseudolongum had better overall survival than those with a low relative abundance. Patients who were positive for Staphylococcus aureus or Mycolicibacillus koreensis had shorter survival. The presence of S. aureus was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

There are enriching tumoral microbes in IPMN. The tumoral microbiome of IPMN is different from that of IPMN-IC.

Herbal medicine and gut microbiota: exploring untapped therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disease management

The gut microbiota that exists in the human gastrointestinal tract is incredibly important for the maintenance of general health as it contributes to multiple aspects of host physiology. Recent research has revealed a dynamic connection between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, that can influence neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Indeed, imbalances in the gut microbiota, or dysbiosis, play a vital role in the pathogenesis and progression of human diseases, particularly NDs. Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat human diseases, including NDs. These compounds help to relieve symptoms and delay the progression of NDs by improving intestinal barrier function, reducing neuroinflammation, and modulating neurotransmitter production. Notably, herbal medicine can mitigate the progression of NDs by regulating the gut microbiota. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the potential mechanisms by which herbal medicine regulates the gut microbiota in the treatment of NDs can help explain the pathogenesis of NDs from a novel perspective and propose novel therapeutic strategies for NDs. In this review, we investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of herbal medicine, focusing on its ability to regulate the gut microbiota and restore homeostasis. We also highlight the challenges and future research priorities of the integration of herbal medicine and modern medicine. As the global population ages, access to this information is becoming increasingly important for developing effective treatments for these diseases.

Astragalus polysaccharides promote neural stem cells-derived oligodendrogenesis through attenuating CD8+T cell infiltration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to generate remyelinating oligodendrocytes, which play an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes is insufficient, which is considered a major cause of remyelination failure. Our previous work reported that Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) had a neuroprotective effect on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice. However, it remains unclear whether APS regulate NSCs differentiation in EAE mice. In this study, our data illustrated that APS administration could promote NSCs in the subventricular zone (SVZ) to differentiate into oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, we found that APS significantly improved neuroinflammation and inhibited CD8+T cell infiltration into SVZ of EAE mice. We also found that MOG35-55-specific CD8+T cells suppressed NSCs differentiation into oligodendrocytes by secreting IFN-γ, and APS facilitated the differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes which was related to decreased IFN-γ secretion. In addition, APS treatment did not show a better effect on the NSCs-derived oligodendrogenesis after CD8+T cell depletion. This present study demonstrated that APS alleviated neuroinflammation and CD8+T cell infiltration into SVZ to induce oligodendroglial differentiation, and thus exerted neuroprotective effect. Our findings revealed that reducing the infiltration of CD8+T cells might contribute to enhancing NSCs-derived neurogenesis. And APS might be a promising drug candidate to treat MS.

Polysaccharides regulate Th1/Th2 balance: A new strategy for tumor immunotherapy

T helper (Th) cells have received extensive attention owing to their indispensable roles in anti-tumor immune responses. Th1 and Th2 cells are two key subsets of Th cells that exist in relative equilibrium through the secretion of cytokines that suppress their respective immune response. When the type of cytokine in the tumor microenvironment is altered, this equilibrium may be disrupted, leading to a shift from Th1 to Th2 immune response. Th1/Th2 imbalance is one of the decisive factors in the development of malignant tumors. Therefore, focusing on the balance of Th1/Th2 anti-tumor immune responses may enable future breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy. Polysaccharides can regulate the imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cells and their characteristic cytokine profiles, thereby improving the tumor immune microenvironment. To our knowledge, this study is the most comprehensive assessment of the regulation of the tumor Th1/Th2 balance by polysaccharides. Herein, we systematically summarized the intrinsic molecular mechanisms of polysaccharides in the regulation of Th1 and Th2 cells to provide a new perspective and potential target drugs for improved anti-tumor immunity and delayed tumor progression.

The Mechanisms of Polysaccharides from Tonic Chinese Herbal Medicine on the Enhancement Immune Function: A Review

Tonic Chinese herbal medicine is a type of traditional Chinese medicine, and its primary function is to restore the body's lost nutrients, improve activity levels, increase disease resistance, and alleviate physical exhaustion. The body's immunity can be strengthened by its polysaccharide components, which also have a potent immune-system-protecting effect. Several studies have demonstrated that tonic Chinese herbal medicine polysaccharides can improve the body's immune response to tumor cells, viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances. However, the regulatory mechanisms by which various polysaccharides used in tonic Chinese herbal medicine enhance immune function vary. This study examines the regulatory effects of different tonic Chinese herbal medicine polysaccharides on immune organs, immune cells, and immune-related cytokines. It explores the immune response mechanism to understand the similarities and differences in the effects of tonic Chinese herbal medicine polysaccharides on immune function and to lay the foundation for the future development of tonic Chinese herbal medicine polysaccharide products.

Gut microbiota: A magical multifunctional target regulated by medicine food homology species

BACKGROUND

The relationship between gut microbiota and human health has gradually been recognized. Increasing studies show that the disorder of gut microbiota is related to the occurrence and development of many diseases. Metabolites produced by the gut microbiota are responsible for their extensive regulatory roles. In addition, naturally derived medicine food homology species with low toxicity and high efficiency have been clearly defined owing to their outstanding physiological and pharmacological properties in disease prevention and treatment.

AIM OF REVIEW

Based on supporting evidence, the current review summarizes the representative work of medicine food homology species targeting the gut microbiota to regulate host pathophysiology and discusses the challenges and prospects in this field. It aims to facilitate the understanding of the relationship among medicine food homology species, gut microbiota, and human health and further stimulate the advancement of more relevant research.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

As this review reveals, from the initial practical application to more mechanism studies, the relationship among medicine food homology species, gut microbiota, and human health has evolved into an irrefutable interaction. On the one hand, through affecting the population structure, metabolism, and function of gut microbiota, medicine food homology species maintain the homeostasis of the intestinal microenvironment and human health by affecting the population structure, metabolism, and function of gut microbiota. On the other hand, the gut microbiota is also involved in the bioconversion of the active ingredients from medicine food homology species and thus influences their physiological and pharmacological properties.

Advances in the role of gut microbiota in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment (Review)

As a protector of human health, the gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of the immune system during childhood, and the regulation of dietary habits, metabolism and immune system during adulthood. Dysregulated gut flora is not pathogenic, but it can weaken the protective effect of the immune system and cause various diseases. The tumor microenvironment is a physiological environment formed during tumor growth, which provides nutrients and growth factors necessary for tumor growth. As an important factor affecting the tumor microenvironment, the intestinal microflora affects the development of tumors through the mechanisms of gut and microflora metabolites, gene toxins and signaling pathways. The present article aimed to review the components and mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and biological targets of gut microbiota in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment. The present review provides novel insights for the future use of intestinal flora, to regulate the tumor microenvironment, to intervene in the occurrence, development, treatment and prognosis of tumors.

Synergist for antitumor therapy: Astragalus polysaccharides acting on immune microenvironment

Various new treatments are emerging constantly in anti-tumor therapies, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. However, the efficacy is still not satisfactory. Astragalus polysaccharide is an important bioactive component derived from the dry root of Radix astragali. Studies found that astragalus polysaccharides have gained great significance in increasing the sensitivity of anti-tumor treatment, reducing the side effects of anti-tumor treatment, reversing the drug resistance of anti-tumor drugs, etc. In this review, we focused on the role of astragalus polysaccharides in tumor immune microenvironment. We reviewed the immunomodulatory effect of astragalus polysaccharides on macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes. We found that astragalus polysaccharides can promote the activities of macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes and induce the expression of a variety of cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, we summarized the clinical applications of astragalus polysaccharides in patients with digestive tract tumors. We summarized the effective mechanism of astragalus polysaccharides on digestive tract tumors, including apoptosis induction, proliferation inhibition, immunoactivity regulation, enhancement of the anticancer effect and chemosensitivity. Therefore, in view of the multiple functions of astragalus polysaccharides in tumor immune microenvironment and its clinical efficacy, the combination of astragalus polysaccharides with antitumor therapy such as immunotherapy may provide new sparks to the bottleneck of current treatment methods.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Status and Future Directions

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the development of tumors. Immunoregulatory cells and cytokines facilitate cancer cells to avoid immune surveillance. Overexpression of immune checkpoint molecules such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibits immune function and enables cancer cells to avoid clearance by the immune system. Thus, minimizing tumor immunosuppression could be an important strategy for cancer therapy. Currently, many immune checkpoint-targeted drugs, such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, have been approved for marketing and have shown unique advantages in the clinical treatment of cancers. The concept of "strengthening resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is consistent with the immunotherapy of cancer. According to previous studies, the role of TCM in tumor immunotherapy is mainly associated with the positive regulation of natural killer cells, CD8/CD4 T cells, dendritic cells, M2 macrophages, interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text], and IFN-[Formula: see text], as well as with the negative regulation of Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, PD-1/PD-L1, transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text], and tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text]. This paper summarizes the current research on the effect of TCM targeting the TME, and further introduces the research progress on studying the effects of TCM on immune checkpoints. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that TCM can directly or indirectly affect the TME by inhibiting the overexpression of immune checkpoint molecules and enhancing the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. TCM with immunomodulatory stimulation could be the key factor to achieve benefits from immunotherapy for patients with non-inflammatory, or "cold", tumors.

Traditional Chinese medicine inhibits PD-1/PD-L1 axis to sensitize cancer immunotherapy: a literature review

The Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) comprise the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and maintain tumor immune evasion. Cancer immunotherapy based on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies is the most promising anti-tumor treatment available but is currently facing the thorny problem of unsatisfactory outcomes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its rich heritage of Chinese medicine monomers, herbal formulas, and physical therapies like acupuncture, moxibustion, and catgut implantation, is a multi-component and multi-target system of medicine known for enhancing immunity and preventing the spread of disease. TCM is often used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer in clinical practices, and recent studies have demonstrated the synergistic effects of combining TCM with cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we examined the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and its role in tumor immune escape while exploring how TCM therapies can modulate the PD-1/PD-L1 axis to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Our findings suggest that TCM therapy can enhance cancer immunotherapy by reducing the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1, regulating T-cell function, improving the tumor immune microenvironment, and regulating intestinal flora. We hope this review may serve as a valuable resource for future studies on the sensitization of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy.

Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorated complex factor-induced chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites in mice

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating disease with no symptomatic treatment. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a component derived from the traditional Chinese medicine A. membranaceus, has significant anti-fatigue activity. However, the mechanisms underlying the potential beneficial effects of APS on CFS remain poorly understood. A CFS model of 6-week-old C57BL/6 male mice was established using the multiple-factor method. These mice underwent examinations for behavior, oxidative stress and inflammatory indicators in brain and intestinal tissues, and ileum histomorphology. 16 S rDNA sequencing analysis indicated that APS regulated the abundance of gut microbiota and increased production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and anti-inflammatory bacteria. In addition, APS reversed the abnormal expression of Nrf2, NF-κB, and their downstream factors in the brain-gut axis and alleviated the reduction in SCFAs in the cecal content caused by CFS. Further, APS modulated the changes in serum metabolic pathways induced by CFS. Finally, it was verified that butyrate exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in neuronal cells. In conclusion, APS could increase the SCFAs content by regulating the gut microbiota, and SCFAs (especially butyrate) can further regulate the oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, thus alleviating CFS. This study explored the efficacy and mechanism of APS for CFS from the perspective of gut-brain axis and provides a reference to further explore the efficacy of APS and the role of SCFAs in the central nervous system.

Immuno-stimulatory activity of Astragalus polysaccharides in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice by regulating gut microbiota

Evidence has indicated the immune-stimulatory effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), yet it remains unknown whether the potential mechanism is associated with gut microbiota. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of gut microbiota in APS-initiated immune-enhancing activity in mice. BALB/c mice were injected with cyclophosphamide to establish a mouse immunosuppression model. We found that APS significantly ameliorated the immunosuppression in mice, indicative of the increased immune organ indices, the promoted proliferation of immune cells, and the up-regulated intestinal inflammation. Western blot analysis demonstrated that APS treatment significantly activated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in the intestine. By 16S rDNA sequencing, APS treatment reversed the gut microbiota dysbiosis in immunocompromised mice. At the genus level, APS increased the abundance of bacteria (like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Roseburia, and Desulfovibrio) and decreased the content of several bacteria (like Oscillibacter, Tyzzerella, and Lachnoclostridium). However, APS had no immune-enhancing effect on immunocompromised mice with gut microbiota depletion. In conclusion, APS can enhance immune responses in immunocompromised mice by modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil inhibits tumorigenesis of human melanoma A375 by regulating CDC25A/CyclinB1/CDK1 signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo

Background:Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil (ZBSO) is extracted from the seeds of the traditional Chinese medicine Z. bungeanum Maxim, which has been shown to have anti-melanoma effects. However, the specific mechanisms are not illustrated adequately.

Aims: To further investigate the mechanism by which ZBSO inhibits melanoma and to provide scientific evidence to support ZBSO as a potential melanoma therapeutic candidate.

Methods: CCK-8 assays were used to detect the function of ZBSO on A375 cells. Based on transcriptomics analyses, Western blot analysis was applied to determine whether an association existed in ZBSO with the CDC25A/CyclinB1/CDK1 signaling pathway. In addition, RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry analysis validated that ZBSO has the anti-melanoma effect in a nude mouse xenograft model of human melanoma. Then, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to detect the regulation of gut microbes.

Results: Cellular assays revealed that ZBSO could inhibit A375 cell viability by regulating the cell cycle pathway. Further studies presented that ZBSO could constrain CDC25A/CyclinB1/CDK1 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo models of melanoma. ZBSO did not produce toxicity in mice, and significantly reduced tumor volume in xenotransplants of A375 cells. Genome analysis indicated that ZBSO successfully altered specific gut microbes.

Conclusion: ZBSO inhibited the growth of A375 cells by regulating CDC25A/cyclinB1/CDK1 signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that ZBSO may be a novel potential therapeutic agent.

Metabolites, gene expression, and gut microbiota profiles suggest the putative mechanisms via which dietary creatine increases the serum taurine and g-ABA contents in Megalobrama amblycephala

A 90-day experiment was conducted to explore the effects of creatine on growth performance, liver health status, metabolites, and gut microbiota in Megalobrama amblycephala. There were 6 treatments as follows: control (CD, 29.41% carbohydrates), high carbohydrate (HCD, 38.14% carbohydrates), betaine (BET, 1.2% betaine + 39.76% carbohydrates), creatine 1 (CRE1, 0.5% creatine + 1.2% betaine + 39.29% carbohydrates), creatine 2 (CRE2, 1% creatine + 1.2% betaine + 39.50% carbohydrates), and creatine 3 (CRE3, 2% creatine + 1.2% betaine + 39.44% carbohydrates). The results showed that supplementing creatine and betaine together reduced the feed conversion ratio significantly (P < 0.05, compared to CD and HCD) and improved liver health (compared to HCD). Compared with the BET group, dietary creatine significantly increased the abundances of Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, ZOR0006, and Bacteroides and decreased the abundances of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, Vibrio, Crenobacter, and Shewanella in the CRE1 group. Dietary creatine increased the content of taurine, arginine, ornithine, γ-aminobutyric acid (g-ABA), and creatine (CRE1 vs. BET group) and the expression of creatine kinase (ck), sulfinoalanine decarboxylase (csad), guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (gamt), glycine amidinotransferase (gatm), agmatinase (agmat), diamine oxidase1 (aoc1), and glutamate decarboxylase (gad) in the CRE1 group. Overall, these results suggested that dietary supplementation of creatine (0.5-2%) did not affect the growth performance, but it altered the gut microbial composition at the phylum and genus levels, which might be beneficial to the gut health of M. amblycephala; dietary creatine also increased the serum content of taurine by enhancing the expressions of ck and csad and increased the serum content of g-ABA by enhancing the arginine content and the expressions of gatm, agmat, gad, and aoc1.

Active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine for enhancing the effect of tumor immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses our own immune system to fight cancer. Studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has antitumor activity and can enhance host immunity. This article briefly describes the immunomodulatory and escape mechanisms in tumors, as well as highlights and summarizes the antitumor immunomodulatory activities of some representative active ingredients of TCM. Finally, this article puts forward some opinions on the future research and clinical application of TCM, aiming to promote the clinical applications of TCM in tumor immunotherapy and to provide new ideas for the research of tumor immunotherapy using TCM.

Effects of inoculation with active microorganisms derived from adult goats on growth performance, gut microbiota and serum metabolome in newborn lambs

This study evaluated the effects of inoculation with adult goat ruminal fluid on growth, health, gut microbiota and serum metabolism in lambs during the first 15 days of life. Twenty four Youzhou dark newborn lambs were selected and randomly distributed across 3 treatments (n = 8/group): autoclaved goat milk inoculated with 20 mL sterilized normal saline (CON), autoclaved goat milk inoculated with 20 mL fresh ruminal fluid (RF) and autoclaved goat milk inoculated with 20 mL autoclaved ruminal fluid (ARF). Results showed that RF inoculation was more effective at promoting recovery of body weight. Compared with CON, greater serum concentrations of ALP, CHOL, HDL and LAC in the RF group suggested a better health status in lambs. The relative abundance of Akkermansia and Escherichia-Shigella in gut was lower in the RF group, whereas the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group tended to increase. Metabolomics analysis shown that RF stimulated the metabolism of bile acids, small peptides, fatty acids and Trimethylamine-N-Oxide, which were found the correlation relationship with gut microorganisms. Overall, our study demonstrated that ruminal fluid inoculation with active microorganisms had a beneficial impact on growth, health and overall metabolism partly through modulating the gut microbial community.

The function of natural compounds in important anticancer mechanisms

The existence of malignant tumors has been a threat to human life, health, and safety. Although the rapid development of radiotherapy, drug therapy, surgery, and local therapy has improved the quality of life of tumor patients, there are still some risks. Natural compounds are widely used in cancer because they are easy to obtain, have a good curative effects and have no obvious side effects, and play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of various cancers. Phenolic, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and other natural components of traditional Chinese medicine have certain anti-tumor activities, which can promote apoptosis, anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis, inhibit angiogenesis, change the morphology of cancer cells and regulate immune function, etc., and have positive effects on breast cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, rectal cancer and so on. To better understand the effects of natural compounds on cancer, this paper screened out four important pathways closely related to cancer, including cell death and immunogenic cell death, immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, inflammation and related pathways and tumor metastasis, and systematically elaborated the effects of natural compounds on cancer.

Ginseng polysaccharides: Potential antitumor agents

As a famous herbal medicine in China and Asia, ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is also known as the "King of All Herbs" and has long been used in medicine and healthcare. In addition to the obvious biological activities of ginsenosides, ginseng polysaccharides (GPs) exhibit excellent antitumor, antioxidant stress, and immunomodulatory effects. In particular, GPs can exert an antitumor effect and is a potential immunomodulator. However, due to the complexity and diversity in the structures and components of GPs, their specific physicochemical properties, and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this article, we have summarized the factors influencing the antitumor activity of GPs and their mechanism of action, including the stimulation of the immune system, regulation of the gut microbiota, and direct action on tumor cells.

Bidirectional effects and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The bidirectional property of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) was recorded in the classic work Medicine Origin (Yi Xue Qi Yuan) as early as the Jin and Yuan dynasties of ancient China. Since then, this imperative theory has been applied to guide the clinical application of TCMs. Studies have been performed to investigate this phenomenon only over the last three decades. A limited number of reviews on the bidirectional role of TCMs have been published, and almost all current studies are published in the Chinese language.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this review is to provide the first comprehensive evidence regarding the bidirectional effects and the underlying mechanisms of TCMs and their active compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information relevant to opposing pharmacological activities or opposing properties exerted by TCM prescriptions, herbal medicines, and their active compound, as well as their mechanisms was summarized by searching Chinese and English databases, including the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Data, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library.

RESULTS

Although the bidirectional regulation of TCMs has been applied in the clinic since ancient times in China, only limited reviews have been published in Chinese. The existing data showed that bidirectional effects can be found in TCM prescriptions, herbal medicines, and pure active compounds. Additionally, the bidirectional role of TCMs was primarily reported in the modulation of immune function, blood circulation and hemostasis, gastrointestinal motility, the central nervous system and blood pressure. This may because the therapeutic outcomes of these disorders are more obvious than those of other complicated diseases. Intriguingly, some herbal medicines have multiple bidirectional activities; for instance, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer showed bidirectional regulation of immune function and the central nervous system; Astragalus membranaceus can bidirectionally regulate blood pressure and immune function; and Rheum officinale Baill exerts bidirectional effects on blood circulation and hemostasis, gastrointestinal motility and immune function. The mechanisms underlying the bidirectional effects of TCMs are largely attributed to the complexity of herbal constituents, dosage differences, the processing of herbal medicine, and compatibility of medicines, the physiological conditions of patients and adaptogenic effects.

CONCLUSION

Uncovering the bidirectional effects and mechanisms of TCMs is of great importance for both scientific research and clinical applications. This review may help to facilitate the recognition of the bidirectional role of TCMs, to explain some seemingly-opposite phenomena in the pharmacological study of herbal medicines and to provide guidance for TCM practitioners.

Digestive properties and prebiotic activity of garlic saccharides with different-molecular-weight obtained by acidolysis

Garlic saccharides have prebiotic activity, but the association between their function and structure is still poorly known. In present study, four different garlic saccharides were obtained from garlic polysaccharides (GPs) after acidolysis by ultrafiltration. Obtained GPs were constituted by different monosaccharides, among which fructose and glucose were the main components, while galactose was a major component of GPs-U6. All four saccharides were partly degraded by the simulated digestive system, and most could reach the large intestine to be utilized by the gut microbiota. Except for GPs-U6, the other three garlic saccharide fractions had good prebiotic activity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, GPs-U0.3 with lower molecular weight (Mw) showed better prebiotic activity, including promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and Phoscolarctobacterium, and inhibiting the growth of potentially harmful bacteria. In addition, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathway enrichment analysis showed that GPs-U0.3 could reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Overall, this findings of the present study revealed the digestive properties of GPs, as well as the potential association between their chemical structures and fermentation characteristics by gut microbiota. Thus, it can be stated that GPs-U0.3 can be used as potential prebiotics in functional foods, which provides a theoretical basis for the targeted preparation of functionalized garlic saccharides.

•

Four garlic saccharides of different Mw could pass through the digestive system and reach the large intestine safely.

•

GPs-U2, GPs-U1 and GPs-U0.3 significantly modulate the composition and abundance of gut microbiota.

•

GPs-U2, GPs-U1 and GPs-U0.3 significantly enhance the production of SCFAs.

•

GPs-U0.3 exhibit better probiotic activity in vitro and in vivo.

Cardioprotection effect of Yiqi-Huoxue-Jiangzhuo formula in a chronic kidney disease mouse model associated with gut microbiota modulation and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis and treatment of cardiovascular disease mediated by chronic kidney disease (CKD) are key research questions. Specifically, the mechanisms underlying the cardiorenal protective effect of Yiqi-Huoxue-Jiangzhuo formula (YHJF), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, have not yet been clarified.

METHODS

A classical CKD mouse model was constructed by 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) to study the effects of YHJF intervention on 5/6 Nx mice cardiorenal function, gut microbial composition, gut-derived metabolites, and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways.

RESULTS

YHJF improved cardiac dysfunction and reversed left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis in 5/6 Nx mice. In addition, YHJF inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and downregulated the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β both in the heart and serum; reconstitution of the intestinal flora imbalance was also found in 5/6 Nx mice treated with YHJF. Spearman's correlation and redundancy analyses showed that changes in the intestinal flora of 5/6 Nx mice were related to clinical phenotype and serum inflammatory levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with YHJF effectively protected the heart function of 5/6 Nx mice; this effect was attributed to inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and regulation of intestinal microbial composition and derived metabolites. YHJF has potential for improving intestinal flora imbalance and gut-derived toxin accumulation in patients with CKD, thereby preventing cardiovascular complications.

Astragalus polysaccharide: a review of its immunomodulatory effect

The Astragalus polysaccharide is an important bioactive component derived from the dry root of Astragalus membranaceus. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research progress on the immunomodulatory effect of Astragalus polysaccharide and provide valuable reference information. We review the immunomodulatory effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on central and peripheral immune organs, including bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, and mucosal tissues. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on a variety of immune cells is summarized. Studies have shown that Astragalus polysaccharide can promote the activities of macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and microglia and induce the expression of a variety of cytokines and chemokines. The immunomodulatory effect of Astragalus polysaccharide makes it promising for the treatment of many diseases, including cancer, infection, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and autoimmune disease. Among them, the anticancer effect is the most prominent. In short, Astragalus polysaccharide is a valuable immunomodulatory medicine, but further high-quality studies are warranted to corroborate its clinical efficacy.

Extraction, structure, and activity of polysaccharide from Radix astragali

Radix astragali polysaccharide (RAP) is a water-soluble heteropolysaccharide. It is an immune promoter and regulator, and has antivirus, antitumor, anti-aging, anti-radiation, anti-stress, anti-oxidation and other activitys. The extraction, separation, purification, structure, activity and modification of RAP were summarized. Some extraction methods of RAP had been introduced, and the separation and purification methods of RAP were reviewed, and the structure and activity of RAP were highly discussed. Current derivatization of RAP was outlined. Through the above discussion that the yield of crude polysaccharides from Radix astragali by enzyme-assisted extraction was significantly higher than that by other extraction methods, but each extraction method had different extraction effects under certain conditions, and the activity efficiency of RAP was also different. Therefore, it is particularly important to optimize the extraction method with known better yield for the study of RAP. In addition, the purification and separation of RAP are the key factors affecting the yield and activity of RAP. At the same time, there are still few studies on the derivatiration of Radix astragali polysaccharide, but the researches in this area are very important. RAP also has many important pharmacological effects on human body, but its practical application needs further study. Finally, studies on the structure-activity relationship of RAP still need to be carried out by many scholars. This review would provide some help for further researches on various important applications of RAP.

Sturgeon Chondroitin Sulfate Restores the Balance of Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer Bearing Mice

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a well-known bioactive substance with multiple biological functions, which can be extracted from animal cartilage or bone. Sturgeon, the largest soft bone animal with ~20% cartilage content, is a great candidate for CS production. Our recent study confirmed the role of sturgeon chondroitin sulfate (SCS) in reducing colorectal cancer cell proliferation and tumor formation. Here, we further studied the effect of SCS on modulating gut microbiome structure in colorectal cancer bearing mice. In this study, the transplanted tumor mice model was constructed to demonstrate that SCS can effectively halt the growth of transplanted colorectal tumor cells. Next, we showed that SCS significantly altered the gut microbiome, such as the abundance of Lactobacillales, Gastranaerophilales, Ruminiclostridiun_5 and Ruminiclostridiun_6. According to linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and abundance map analysis of the microbial metabolic pathways, the changes in microbial abundance led to an increase of certain metabolites (e.g., Phe, Tyr, and Gly). Fecal metabolome results demonstrated that SCS can significantly reduce the amount of certain amino acids such as Phe, Pro, Ala, Tyr and Leu presented in the feces, suggesting that SCS might inhibit colorectal cancer growth by modulating the gut microbiome and altering the production of certain amino acids. Our results revealed the therapeutic potential of SCS to facilitate treatment of colorectal cancer. This study provides insights into the development of novel food-derived therapies for colorectal cancer.

Suppression of stemness and enhancement of chemosensibility in the resistant melanoma were induced by Astragalus polysaccharide through PD-L1 downregulation

Chemotherapy is commonly used in the clinical treatment of melanoma, but it is prone to resistance leading to the poor effectiveness. The mechanisms of resistance are complicated including the cancer stemness. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is one of the active components of traditional Chinese herbal medicine Astragalus Membranaceus. Our previous work was reported that APS had an inhibitory effect on the stemness of melanoma. In this study we established chemo-resistant melanoma cells and found that expression of stemness genes were upregulated in the resistant melanoma cells. And APS could downregulate expression of stemness genes. Furthermore, APS combined with cisplatin (DDP) could significantly slow down the tumor growth in the mouse model induced by DDP-resistant cells. In addition, we found that programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression could be downregulated and the PI3K/AKT signaling could be affected by APS. These results suggested that APS could be a potential candidate in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, which might play a role in reducing the occurrence of resistance and improving the prognosis of melanoma patients.

Protective Effect of Ginkgolide B against Cognitive Impairment in Mice via Regulation of Gut Microbiota

Ginkgolide B (GB) is one of the main bioactive components of Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts with neuroprotective activity. However, the neuroprotective mechanism link between the anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) efficiency of GB and gut microbiota have remained elusive. Here, we elucidated the effect and possible mechanism of GB against cognitive impairment in mice. Male mice were induced with d-galactose and aluminum chloride to establish an AD animal model, and then intragastrically treated with GB. Cognitive function was assessed by an object recognition test and an open-field test. Amyloid deposition and neuropathological change were detected. The levels of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), Bcl-2, and Bax were detected. Moreover, microbial compositions were measured by 16s rRNA sequencing. Our results showed that GB significantly alleviated cognitive dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and neuropathological changes in AD model mice. Moreover, GB treatment remarkably reduced the levels of RAGE and Bax and increased the level of Bcl-2 in AD model mice. GB treatment reversed the decreased abundance of Lactobacillus and the increased abundance of Bacteroidales, Muribaculaceae, and Alloprevotella, which led to reconstruction of gut microbiota. These findings demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of GB in AD mice, which were partly mediated by modulating gut dysbiosis, indicating that GB might be a potentially active supplement to alleviate AD.