Tanshinone IIA Alleviates the AD Phenotypes in APP and PS1 Transgenic Mice

Combining Experimental Validation and Network Pharmacology to Reveal the Action Mechanism of Panax Notoginseng-Radix Salviae on Atherosclerosis

Purpose

Few studies have evaluated the mechanisms of the specific efficacy of Panax notoginseng-Radix Salviae couplet medicines (PN-RS) in the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS). This study aims to explore the potential bioactive ingredients and molecular mechanisms of PN-RS in the treatment of AS.

Materials and Methods

C57BL/6J mice were fed a common diet as the control group. ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into the model, PN-RS treatment (0.75 mgPN+3.75 mgRS/g/day via gavage), and positive drug groups (rosuvastatin, 1.25 mg/kg/day via gavage). After two months of drugs intervention, H&E and Masson staining, the serum lipid concentration and atherosclerotic index were conducted to verify the PN-RS efficacy. Network pharmacology analysis was carried out to identify the pathways and targets of PN-RS. The signaling pathway-related targets and cytokines were tested via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Network pharmacology analysis identified the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway as a key pathway through which PN-RS exerts its therapeutic effects. Results from animal experiments demonstrated that PN-RS significantly reduced the atherosclerotic lesion area and decreased serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and atherogenic index (AI). Mechanistic studies further revealed that PN-RS inhibited the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway and reduced the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that PN-RS could be a promising treatment for atherosclerosis, applicable across diverse populations. Future research should investigate its efficacy in various demographic groups and in combination with other therapies.

The effect of tanshinones on cognitive impairments in animal models of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurological illness that poses a significant hazard to human health. A fat-soluble compound called tanshinones was isolated from Danshen, a traditional Chinese herb. Recent years have seen reports of clinical trials examining the effects of tanshinones on cognitive impairment among individuals with AD, as well as the publication of pertinent basic research. Tanshinones are not yet commonly utilized in the therapeutic treatment of AD, and the effectiveness of tanshinones as a treatment program for AD is not yet adequately supported by evidence. To assess the impact of tanshinones on cognitive impairment in experimental rodent models of AD, we carried out a systematic review in this work.

Method

All relevant studies on the usage of tanshinones in AD model animals published in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedicine Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure before 8 September 2024, were systematically retrieved. To assess the methodological quality, the CAMARADES checklist was used. Meta-analysis was calculated and graphed in the Stata 14.0 software. For each outcome in every study, the standard mean difference (SMD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of each effect size were calculated.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in this study. Compared with the AD model group without tanshinones intervention, tanshinones significantly reduced the number of escape latency [SMD = -2.082, 95% CI = (-2.481, -1.683), p < 0.001]. Tanshinones also increased the times of platform crossing [SMD = 1.464, 95% CI = (1.183, 1.744), p < 0.001] and time in target quadrants [SMD = 2.703, 95% CI = (2.132, 3.275), p < 0.001].

Conclusion

Tanshinones are thought to have positive effects on cognitive impairment in rodent models of AD, according to the findings of this study. However, the level of quality of the included research may have an impact on the accuracy of positive outcomes. Thus, more high-quality randomized controlled animal studies are required to guide future scientific and clinical research.

Systematic Review Registration

identifier CRD42024557980.

Research Progress on Natural Plant Molecules in Regulating the Blood-Brain Barrier in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. With the aging population and the continuous development of risk factors associated with AD, it will impose a significant burden on individuals, families, and society. Currently, commonly used therapeutic drugs such as Cholinesterase inhibitors, N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists, and multiple AD pathology removal drugs have been shown to have beneficial effects on certain pathological conditions of AD. However, their clinical efficacy is minimal and they are associated with certain adverse reactions. Furthermore, the underlying pathological mechanism of AD remains unclear, posing a challenge for drug development. In contrast, natural plant molecules, widely available, offer multiple targeting pathways and demonstrate inherent advantages in modifying the typical pathologic features of AD by influencing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We provide a comprehensive review of recent in vivo and in vitro studies on natural plant molecules that impact the BBB in the treatment of AD. Additionally, we analyze their specific mechanisms to offer novel insights for the development of safe and effective targeted drugs as well as guidance for experimental research and the clinical application of drugs for the prevention and treatment of AD.

Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Determining Potential Inflammatory Molecular Targets and Mechanism Using Network Pharmacology

Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (RSM) is widely used for the clinical improvement of inflammatory diseases. However, the actions of RSM in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have not been fully explored. Therefore, this study was designed to use retrospective clinical data mining approach to understand the effects of RSM on AS-related immuno-inflammatory processes, use network pharmacology to predict therapeutic targets of RSM, and to further investigate the pharmacological molecular mechanism in vitro. RSM treatment has a long-term correlation with the improvement of AS-related immuno-inflammatory indicators through computational models. We established protein-protein interaction networks, conducted KEGG analysis to enrich significant TNF pathways, and finally obtained three core targets of RSM in the treatment of AS, namely, prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Screening of RSM active ingredients with node degree greater than 20 yielded cryptotanshinone and tanshinone IIA, and previous studies have reported their anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro, both cryptotanshinone and tanshinone IIA significantly inhibited the expressions of PTGS2, IL-6, and TNF-α in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in AS patients. In conclusion, cryptotanshinone and tanshinone IIA, which are the active components of RSM, may inhibit the activation of TNF signaling pathway in AS patients by downregulating the expression of PTGS2, IL-6, and TNF-α. These findings illustrate that RSM may be a promising therapeutic candidate for AS, but further validation is required.

Tanshinone Ameliorates Glucocorticoid-Induced Bone Loss via Activation of AKT1 Signaling Pathway

Purpose: Osteoporosis, a common disorder especially prevalent in the postmenopausal women and the elderly, is becoming a worldwide public health problem. Osteoporosis can cause severe joint pain, fragility fractures, and other symptoms, which can seriously impair the daily lives of affected patients. Currently, no gold-standard drug is available that can completely cure osteoporosis. Tanshinone is a traditional Chinese medicine, which can exhibit multiple biological activities. It might also display a protective effect on osteoporosis. However, the molecular mechanism through which tanshinone can improve osteoporosis remain unclear. The objective of our study is to explore the underlying mechanism behind the protective actions of tanshinone. Methods: The common KEGG pathways of tanshinone-targeted genes and osteoporosis were analyzed by using bioinformatics analysis. The bioinformatics analysis results were further validated both by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results: 21 common KEGG pathways were identified between osteoporosis and tanshinone-targeted genes. It was further found that tanshinone could induce expression of AKT1, promote the proliferation of MSCs, and ultimately suppress their apoptosis. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings indicate that tanshinone can alleviate osteoporosis, its effect was potentially mediated through modulating AKT1 expression. Thus, tanshinone could serve as a promising treatment option for osteoporosis.

Natural Compounds as Medical Strategies in the Prevention and Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders Seen in Neurological Diseases

Psychiatric disorders are frequently encountered in many neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson diseases along with epilepsy, migraine, essential tremors, and stroke. The most common comorbid diagnoses in neurological diseases are depression and anxiety disorders along with cognitive impairment. Whether the underlying reason is due to common neurochemical mechanisms or loss of previous functioning level, comorbidities are often overlooked. Various treatment options are available, such as pharmacological treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy, somatic interventions, or electroconvulsive therapy. However oral antidepressant therapy may have some disadvantages, such as interaction with other medications, low tolerability due to side effects, and low efficiency. Natural compounds of plant origin are extensively researched to find a better and safer alternative treatment. Experimental studies have shown that phytochemicals such as alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids as well as lipids have significant potential in in vitro and in vivo models of psychiatric disorders. In this review, various efficacy of natural products in in vitro and in vivo studies on neuroprotective and their roles in psychiatric disorders are examined and their neuro-therapeutic potentials are shed light.

Tanshinone IIA: A Review of its Anticancer Effects

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a pharmacologically lipophilic active constituent isolated from the roots and rhizomes of the Chinese medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen). Tan IIA is currently used in China and other neighboring countries to treat patients with cardiovascular system, diabetes, apoplexy, arthritis, sepsis, and other diseases. Recently, it was reported that tan IIA could have a wide range of antitumor effects on several human tumor cell lines, but the research of the mechanism of tan IIA is relatively scattered in cancer. This review aimed to summarize the recent advances in the anticancer effects of tan IIA and to provide a novel perspective on clinical use of tan IIA.

Sodium Tanshinone IIA Silate Exerts Microcirculation Protective Effects against Spinal Cord Injury In Vitro and In Vivo

Spinal cord microcirculation involves functioning endothelial cells at the blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) and maintains normal functioning of spinal cord neurons, axons, and glial cells. Protection of both the function and integrity of endothelial cells as well as the prevention of BSCB disruption may be a strong strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) cases. Sodium Tanshinone IIA silate (STS) is used for the treatment of coronary heart disease and improves microcirculation. Whether STS exhibits protective effects for SCI microcirculation is not yet clear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of STS on oxygen-glucose deprivation- (OGD-) induced injury of spinal cord endothelial cells (SCMECs) in vitro and to explore effects on BSCB and neurovascular protection in vivo. SCMECs were treated with various concentrations of STS (1 μM, 3 μM, and 10 μM) for 24 h with or without OGD-induction. Cell viability, tube formation, migration, and expression of Notch signaling pathway components were evaluated. Histopathological evaluation (H&E), Nissl staining, BSCB permeability, and the expression levels of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), CD31, NeuN, and Notch signaling pathway components were analyzed. STS was found to improve SCMEC functions and reduce inflammatory mediators after OGD. STS also relieved histopathological damage, increased zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), inhibited BSCB permeability, rescued microvessels, protected motor neuromas, and improved functional recovery in a SCI model. Moreover, we uncovered that the Notch signaling pathway plays an important role during these processes. These results indicated that STS protects microcirculation in SCI, which may be used as a therapeutic strategy for SCI in the future.

Neuroprotective effects of ZL006 in Aβ1-42-treated neuronal cells

Amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). ZL006 is shown to reduce over-produced nitric oxide and oxidative stress in ischemic stroke by interrupting the interaction of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and postsynaptic density protein 95. However, few studies are reported on the role of ZL006 in AD. To investigate whether ZL006 exerted neuroprotective effects in AD, we used Aβ_1–42 to treat primary cortical neurons and N2a neuroblastoma cells as an in vitro model of AD. Cortical neurons were incubated with ZL006 or dimethyl sulfoxide for 2 hours and treated with Aβ_1–42 or NH₃•H₂O for another 24 hours. The results of cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and calcein-acetoxymethylester/propidium iodide staining showed that ZL006 pretreatment rescued the neuronal death induced by Aβ_1–42. Fluorescence and western blot assay were used to detect oxidative stress and apoptosis-related proteins in each group of cells. Results showed that ZL006 pretreatment decreased neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by Aβ_1–42. The results of CCK8 assay showed that inhibition of Akt or NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cortical neurons abolished the protective effects of ZL006. Moreover, similar results were also observed in N2a neuroblastoma cells. ZL006 inhibited N2a cell death and oxidative stress induced by Aβ_1–42, while inhibition of Akt or Nrf2 abolished the protective effect of ZL006. These results demonstrated that ZL006 reduced Aβ_1–42-induced neuronal damage and oxidative stress, and the mechanisms might be associated with the activation of Akt/Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathways.

Therapeutic Effects of Natural Drugs on Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized as a chronic neurodegenerative disease associated with aging. The clinical manifestations of AD include latent episodes of memory and cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms and behavioral disorders, as well as limited activities in daily life. In developed countries, AD is now acknowledged as the third leading cause of death, following cardiovascular disease and cancer. The pathogenesis and mechanism of AD remain unclear, although some theories have been proposed to explain AD, such as the theory of β-amyloid, the theory of the abnormal metabolism of tau protein, the theory of free radical damage, the theory of the inflammatory response, the theory of cholinergic damage, etc. Effective methods to predict, prevent or reverse AD are unavailable, and thus the development of new, efficient therapeutic drugs has become a current research hot spot worldwide. The isolation and extraction of active components from natural drugs have great potential in treating AD. These drugs possess the advantages of multiple targets in multiple pathways, fewer side effects and a long duration of curative effects. This article summaries the latest research progress regarding the mechanisms of natural drugs in the treatment of AD, providing a review of the literature and a theoretical basis for improving the clinical treatment of AD.

Preliminary Studies on Liquiritin, Deoxyschizandrin, and Tanshinone II A as Potential Anti-Neurodegenerative Disease Agent: Determination by Reverse-Phase Liquid Chromatography in Tianwang Buxin Pills

Tianwang Buxin pill (TWBXP) is an ancient Chinese classic prescription. Liquiritin, deoxyschizandrin, and tanshinone II A are three bioactive components in TWBXP, which have been proven to be closely related to the therapy effect of neurodegenerative disease. Their contents are very low in TWBXP. In this study, we used a diode array detector (DAD) to perform a full wavelength scanning in order to choose a most suitable detection wavelength to establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of these three components in TWBXP. Various chromatographic conditions were investigated to verify its applicability. Finally, a Kromasil C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) thermostated at 30°C, mobile phase as 0.2% phosphoric acid solution (eluent A), and 0.1% phosphoric acid-acetonitrile solution (eluent B) were used. Both external standard method and internal standard method were used for quantification. The results showed that both methods were simple and convenient in operation without special pretreatment and exhibits excellent precision, repeatability (RSD < 3.0%), good linearity (R ² > 0.9990), and good recoveries (recovery value between 95% and 105%). Because of the low contents in samples, the internal standard method provided a better accurate result than the external standard method. The stability results showed the sample became stable within 24 hours at room temperature. The method provides a convenient and effective way for the quality control of TWBXP, and it can help the research about AD in the future.

High-Dose Tanshinone IIA Suppresses Migration and Proliferation While Promoting Apoptosis of Astrocytoma Cells Via Notch-1 Pathway

Malignant astrocytoma is the most common malignant tumor with strong invasion in the central nervous system. Tanshinone IIA is an effective compound to suppress cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. However, there is little research about the role of tanshinone IIA in the treatment of astrocytoma. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tanshinone IIA on migration, proliferation and apoptosis of astrocytoma cells. The efficacy of tanshinone IIA on migration, proliferation and apoptosis of astrocytoma cells were evaluated by flow cytometry and the assays of plate clone formation, CCK-8, wound healing and transwell migration. The protein molecule and signaling pathway were detected by western blot. High-dose tanshinone IIA suppressed migration and proliferation of astrocytoma cells while promoting apoptosis of astrocytoma cells. The western blot results showed that there were high Notch-1 protein expression and low c-Myc, MMP-9 and Bcl-2 activation in the high-dose tanshinone IIA group compared with the control group. High-dose tanshinone IIA suppresses astrocytoma cell proliferation, migration while promoting apoptosis through Notch-1 pathway. Tanshinone IIA may be used to develop new drugs for the treatment of astrocytoma.

Tanshinone‑IIA attenuates the deleterious effects of oxidative stress in osteoporosis through the NF‑κB signaling pathway

Osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption caused by bone microstructural damage and bone-related disorders. Evidence shows that tanshinone IIA (Tan‑IIA), a traditional Chinese medicine, is used clinically as a drug for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the efficacy and mechanism underlying the effect of Tan‑IIA on the viability of osteoclasts remain to be fully elucidated. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of Tan‑IIA on osteoblast differentiation and oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. Cell viability was analyzed and oxidative stress was examined in the osteoblasts. Wnt1sw/sw mice were used to investigate the therapeutic effects of Tan‑IIA on spontaneous tibia fractures and severe osteopenia. The bone strength, collagen and mineral were examined in the tibia. Osteoblast activity was also analyzed in the experimental mice. The Tan‑IIA‑induced differentiation of osteoclasts and the mechanism of action were investigated in osteocytes. The data showed that Tan‑IIA treatment improved cell viability. The data also demonstrated that Tan‑IIA decreased the levels of H2O2, accumulation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis of osteoblasts. Tan‑IIA inhibited the deleterious outcomes triggered by oxidative stress. In addition, Tan‑IIA inhibited the activation of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB and its target genes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2, and increased the levels of TNF receptor‑associated factor 1 and inhibitor of apoptosis protein‑1/2 in the osteocytes. Furthermore, it was shown that Tan‑IIA reduced the propensity to fractures and severe osteopenia in mice with osteoporosis. Tan‑IIA also exhibited improved bone strength, mineral and collagen in the bone matrix of the experimental mice. It was found that the Tan‑IIA‑mediated benefits on osteoblast activity and function were through the NF‑κB signaling pathway. Taken together, the data obtained in the present study suggested that Tan‑IIA had protective effects against oxidative stress in osteoblastic differentiation in mice with osteoporosis by regulating the NF‑κB signaling pathway.

Tanshinone IIA Inhibits Glutamate-Induced Oxidative Toxicity through Prevention of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Suppression of MAPK Activation in SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cells

Glutamate excitotoxicity is associated with many neurological diseases, including cerebral ischemia and neurodegenerative diseases. Tanshinone IIA, a diterpenoid naphthoquinone from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been shown to suppress presynaptic glutamate release, but its protective mechanism against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity is lacking. Using SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells, we show here that excessive glutamate exposure decreases cell viability and proliferation and increases LDH release. Pretreatment with tanshinone IIA, however, prevents the decrease in cell viability and proliferation and the increase in LDH release induced by glutamate. Tanshinone IIA also attenuates glutamate-induced oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species level and malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents and by enhancing activities and protein levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. We then show that tanshinone IIA prevents glutamate-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content and by reducing mitochondrial protein carbonyl content. Moreover, tanshinone IIA can inhibit glutamate-induced apoptosis through regulation of apoptosis-related protein expression and MAPK activation, including elevation of Bcl-2 protein level, decrease in Bax and cleaved caspase-3 levels, and suppression of JNK and p38 MAPK activation. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that tanshinone IIA protects SH-SY5Y cells against glutamate toxicity by reducing oxidative stress and regulating apoptosis and MAPK pathways.