Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Shenfu Injection against Acute Lung Injury through Inhibiting HMGB1-NF-κB Pathway in a Rat Model of Endotoxin Shock

An exploration of the protective effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 against acute lung injury using network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vivo experiments

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe inflammatory disorder where neutrophils contribute to inflammation and tissue damage by forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). While Ginsenoside Rb1 (Gs-Rb1) has been shown to offer protective effects in ALI, it remains unclear whether its benefits in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI involve modulation of NETs.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to assess the protection of Gs-Rb1 against ALI using bioinformatics analyses and animal experiments.

METHODS

Potential targets of Gs-Rb1 and ALI were identified through several databases and analyzed using protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment, molecular docking, qRT-PCR, and molecular dynamics simulations to pinpoint key targets of Gs-Rb1. The compound's therapeutic effects were further explored in mouse models of LPS-induced ALI.

RESULTS

A total of 90 proteins were identified as shared targets between Gs-Rb1 and ALI. The top 10 targets were selected based on degree values from PPI networks. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed links to 306 biological processes, 29 molecular functions, 63 cellular components, and 148 signaling pathways, suggesting that NET formation plays a central role in the therapeutic effects of Gs-Rb1 on ALI. Molecular docking showed strong binding affinity between Gs-Rb1 and the core targets, while qRT-PCR confirmed significant changes in AKT1 expression following Gs-Rb1 treatment. Molecular dynamics simulations further supported the binding of AKT1 to Gs-Rb1. In LPS-induced mouse models of ALI, Gs-Rb1 treatment attenuated histological damage, reduced the wet/dry mass ratio, and lowered levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Furthermore, it decreased the fluorescence intensity and protein expression of CitH3, NE, and MPO and downregulated the protein ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that Gs-Rb1 may alleviate inflammation in ALI by inhibiting NET formation, likely through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis.

Shenfu injection alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in septic mice

Shenfu injection (SFI) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating sepsis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of SFI on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury in septic mice. The results showed that SFI intervention reduced liver/body weight and significantly improved the survival rate of septic mice. SFI could relieve the apoptosis of liver cells and ameliorate liver function in LPS-induced septic mice. SFI also diminished the serum and liver levels of the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, IL-12, and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. SFI enhanced the mitochondrial membrane potential and alleviated the mitochondrial damage of liver in septic mice. Western blot revealed that the phosphorylation levels of IκB and NF-κB p65 increased significantly in the liver of LPS-induced septic mice. After SFI intervention, the phosphorylation levels of IκB and NF-κB p65 gradually recovered, especially at high concentration. SFI treatment reduced nuclear transduction, thus reducing transcriptional activity, which indicated that NF-κB p65 signal pathway might contribute to the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities of SFI in the liver of LPS-induced septic mice. In addition, the metabolic profile of liver tissue in the model group was different from that in the control group, and SFI significantly regulated liver purine metabolism. These valuable findings suggested that SFI could improve mitochondrial function and mitigate inflammation and apoptosis, and thus alleviate LPS-induced liver injury in septic mice. SFI may be a promising drug to treat septic liver injury.

Pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine against acute lung injury: From active ingredients to herbal formulae

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are the leading causes of acute respiratory failure in many critical diseases and are among the main respiratory diseases with high clinical mortality. The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause severe ARDS, resulting in a steep rise in the number of patient deaths. Therefore, it is important to explore the pathogenesis of ALI and find effective therapeutic agents. In recent years, thanks to modern biomedical tools, some progress has been made in the application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment principles based on syndromic differentiation and holistic concepts in clinical and experimental studies of ALI. More and more TCM effective components and formulae have been verified to have significant curative effects, which have a certain guiding significance for clinical practice.

PURPOSE

It is hoped to provide reference for the clinical research of ALI/ARDS and provide theoretical basis and technical support for the scientific application of TCM in respiratory related diseases.

METHODS

We performed a literature survey using traditional books of Chinese medicine and online scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and others up to January 2023.

RESULTS

In recent years, thanks to modern biomedical tools, some progress has been made in the application of TCM treatment principles based on syndromic differentiation and holistic concepts in clinical and experimental studies of ALI. This paper mainly reviews the research progress of ALI/ARDS mechanism, the understanding of its etiology and pathogenesis by TCM, and the therapeutic effects of TCM formulae and active ingredients of Chinese medicine. A large number of studies have shown that the effective components and formulae of TCM can prevent or treat ALI/ARDS in vivo and in vitro experiments.

CONCLUSION

TCM effective components and formulae play an important role in the prevention and treatment of ALI/ARDS through multiple approaches and multiple targets, and provide necessary theoretical support for the further development and utilization of TCM resources.

Shenfu injection targets the PI3K-AKT pathway to regulate autophagy and apoptosis in acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an exaggerated response to infection. In the lungs, one of the most susceptible organs, this can manifest as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Shenfu (SF) injection is a prominent traditional Chinese medicine used to treat sepsis. However, the exact mechanism of its action has rarely been reported in the literature.

PURPOSE

In the present study, we detected the protective effect of SF injection on sepsis-induced ARDS and explored its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

We investigated the potential targets and regulatory mechanisms of SF injections using a combination of network pharmacology and RNA sequencing. This study was conducted both in vivo and in vitro using a mouse model of ARDS and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated MLE-12 cells, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that SF injection could effectively inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis to alleviate LPS-induced ARDS. SF inhibited the PI3K-AKT pathway, which controls autophagy and apoptosis. Subsequently, MLE-12 cells were treated with 3-methyladenine to assess its effects on autophagy and apoptosis. Additional experiments were conducted by adding rapamycin, an mTOR antagonist, or SC79, an AKT agonist, to investigate the effects of SF injection on autophagy, apoptosis, and the PI3K-AKT pathway.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we found that SF administration could enhance autophagic activity, reduce apoptosis, suppress inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and inhibit the PI3K-AKT pathway, thus ameliorating sepsis-induced ARDS.

Shenfu injection alleviate gut ischemia/reperfusion injury after severe hemorrhagic shock through improving intestinal microcirculation in rats

Background

Shenfu (SF) injection, a traditional Chinese medication, would improve microcirculation in cardiogenic shock and infectious shock. This study was aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of the SF injection in gut ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury after severe hemorrhagic shock (SHS) and resuscitation. Furthermore, we also investigated the optimal adm？ inistration timing.

Methods

Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham group (sham, n = 6), Control group (n = 6), SF injection group (SF, n = 6), and Delayed Shenfu injection administration group (SF-delay, n = 6). In SHS and resuscitation model, rats were induced by blood draw to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 ± 5 mmHg within 1 h and then maintained for 40 min; HR, MAP 'were recorded, microcirculation index [De Backer score, perfused small vessel density (PSVD), total vessel density (TVD), microcirculation flow index score (MFI), flow heterogeneity index (HI)] were analyzed. The blood gas index was detected, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), diamine oxidase (DAO), malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by ELISA; ZO-1, and claudin-1 were measured by Western blotting. In addition, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid schiff (PAS) staining pathological sections of the intestinal mucosal tissues were also performed.

Results

SF injection increased the MAP, relieved the metabolic acidosis degree associated with the hypoperfusion, and improved the intestinal microcirculatory density and perfusion quality after I/R injury. The expression of DAO, MDA in intestinal tissue, and plasma IL-6, TNF-α significantly decreased in the SF injection group compared to the control group. The concentration of ZO-1 and claudin-1 is also higher in the SF injection group. In addition, the HE and PAS staining results also showed that SF injection could decrease mucosal damage and maintain the structure. In the SF-delay group, the degree of intestinal tissue damage was intermediate between that of the control group and SF injection group.

Conclusions

SF injection protect the intestine from I/R injury induced by SHS and resuscitation, the mechanism of which might be through improving intestinal microcirculation, reducing the excessive release of inflammatory factors and increasing intestinal mucosal permeability. Furthermore, the protection effect is more pronounced if administration during the initial resuscitation phase.

XinLi formula, a traditional Chinese decoction, alleviates chronic heart failure via regulating the interaction of AGTR1 and AQP1

BACKGROUND

XinLi formula (XLF) is a traditional Chinese medicine used in clinical practice to treat chronic heart failure (CHF) in humans, with remarkable curative effect. However, the mechanism remains unknown.

PURPOSE

The goal of the current investigation was to determine how XLF affected CHF in a rat model of the condition brought on by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and to investigate the underlying mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Cardiac function was detected by echocardiography. The contents of myocardial enzymes, Ang II, ALD, TGF-β1, and inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA. Myocardial injury and myocardial fibrosis were evaluated by HE and Masson staining. Myocardial edema was assessed by cardiac mass index and transmission electron microscopy. Using Western blot and immunohistochemistry to examining the protein expression of inflammasome, TGF-β1, AGTR1, and AQP1 in the left ventricle. Furthermore, the interaction of AGTR1 and AQP1 was evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

XLF attenuated myocardial enzymes and myocardial injury, and improved cardiac function in rats with CHF after myocardial infarction. It also reduced Ang II and ALD levels in CHF rats, and suppressed the expression of AGTR1 and TGF-β1, finally alleviated myocardial fibrosis. By mechanism, XLF inhibited the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins, reduced the plasma contents of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-α. Additionally, XLF inhibited the expression of AQP1 and the interaction of AGTR1 and AQP1, alleviating myocardial edema. The common structure of the main chemical constituents of XLF were glycoside compounds with glycosyl.

CONCLUSION

XLF ameliorated CHF, which was evidenced by the alleviation of myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting AGTR1/NLRP3 signal, as well as the attenuation of myocardial edema by suppressing the interaction of AGTR1 and AQP1.

Upregulation of claudin‑4 by Chinese traditional medicine Shenfu attenuates lung tissue damage by acute lung injury aggravated by acute gastrointestinal injury

CONTEXT

Many studies have explored new methods to cure acute lung injury (ALI); however, none of those methods could significantly change the high mortality rate of ALI. Shenfu is a Chinese traditional medicine that might be effective against ALI.

OBJECTIVE

Our study explores the therapeutic potential of Shenfu in ALI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (500 µg/100 μL per mouse), and LPS + Shenfu (30 mL/kg) groups. Shenfu (10 µL/mL) was added to LPS (10 µg/mL) treated MLE-12 cells for 48 h in vitro. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: LPS, LPS + 3% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS), 3% DSS + Shenfu, and LPS + 3% DSS + Shenfu.

RESULTS

Compared with the ALI group, Shenfu reduced wet/dry weight ratio (19.8%, 36.2%), and reduced the IL-2 (40.9%, 61.6%), IFN-γ (43.5%, 53.3%) TNF-α (54.1%, 42.1%), IL-6 (54.8%,70%), and IL-1β (39.9%, 65.1%), reduced serum uric acid (18.8%, 48.7%) and creatinine (17.4%, 41.1%). Moreover, Shenfu enhanced cell viability (17.2%, 59.9%) and inhibited cell apoptosis (63.0%) and p38/ERK phosphorylation in in vitro cultured epithelial cells with LPS stimulation. Mechanistically, Shenfu mediated the protective effect by upregulating claudin-4 expression. In addition, Shenfu could protect against both lung and intestinal epithelial damage in acute gastrointestinal injury-exacerbated ALI.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the results revealed the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanism of Shenfu injection in an ALI in mouse model, indicating its clinical potential to treat patients with ALI.

Physical Exercise Repairs Obstructive Jaundice-Induced Damage to Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function via H2S-Mediated Regulation of the HMGB1/Toll Like Receptors 4/Nuclear Factor Kappa B Pathway

The present study aimed to determine the effect of aerobic exercise on improving damage to intestinal mucosal barrier function caused by obstructive jaundice (OJ) and explore the mechanism. Fifty male KM mice were divided into five groups: sham operation group (S), model group (M), exercise group (TM), DL-propargylglycine + exercise (PT) group, and sodium hydrosulfide + exercise (NT) group. Additionally, mice in S group underwent common bile duct ligation for 48 h to establish a murine obstructive jaundice model. In PT group, propargylglycine (40 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 7 days after surgery. NaHS (50 μmol/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into mice in the NT group 7 days after surgery. The TM group, NT group and PT group exercised on a slope of 0% at a speed of 10 m/min without weight training (30 min/day). HE staining showed that the intestinal mucosa of group M was atrophied and that the villi were broken. The intestinal mucosal structure of mice in the TM group was improved. Serum assays showed that H2S levels were higher in the TM group than in the M group; compared with the levels in the TM group, the PT group levels were decreased and the NT group levels were increased. In addition, aerobic exercise inhibits the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway by promoting endogenous H2S production, thereby exerting a protective effect on the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Research Progress in Chinese Herbal Medicines for Treatment of Sepsis: Pharmacological Action, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacokinetics

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection; the pathophysiology of sepsis is complex. The incidence of sepsis is steadily increasing, with worldwide mortality ranging between 30% and 50%. Current treatment approaches mainly rely on the timely and appropriate administration of antimicrobials and supportive therapies, but the search for pharmacotherapies modulating the host response has been unsuccessful. Chinese herbal medicines, i.e., Chinese patent medicines, Chinese herbal prescriptions, and single Chinese herbs, play an important role in the treatment of sepsis through multicomponent, multipathway, and multitargeting abilities and have been officially recommended for the management of COVID-19. Chinese herbal medicines have therapeutic actions promising for the treatment of sepsis; basic scientific research on these medicines is increasing. However, the material bases of most Chinese herbal medicines and their underlying mechanisms of action have not yet been fully elucidated. This review summarizes the current studies of Chinese herbal medicines used for the treatment of sepsis in terms of clinical efficacy and safety, pharmacological activity, phytochemistry, bioactive constituents, mechanisms of action, and pharmacokinetics, to provide an important foundation for clarifying the pathogenesis of sepsis and developing novel antisepsis drugs based on Chinese herbal medicines.

Chinese herbal injections for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A narrative review

Background

The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused more than 180 million infections and 3.9 million deaths. To date, emerging clinical evidence has shown the synergetic benefits of Chinese herbal injections in treating this contagious respiratory disease. This review aims to summarize and analyze the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal injections in the therapy of COVID-19.

Methods

The literature from 3 electronic databases, PubMed, CNKI, and Web of Science, were searched using the search terms “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “traditional Chinese medicine”, “herb”, “herbal”, and “injection”. Then the identified articles were comprehensively evaluated.

Results

Limited data demonstrated that Chinese herbal injections could significantly improve the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients, especially in combination with conventional treatment strategies. The benefits of which were mainly associated with the relief of symptoms, prevention of secondary infection, regulation of inflammation and immune function. There was also evidence showing the inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro. Nevertheless, available real-world data suggested the increased risk of adverse event. Furthermore, the defects of existing researches and the insights for discovering novel antiviral drugs were prospectively discussed.

Conclusion

Evidence-based advances revealed that Chinese herbal injections such as XueBiJing injection and ShenMai injection, exerted potent effects against COVID-19. Further laboratory researches and clinical evaluation are needed to gather scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety.

SARS-CoV-2 and its new variants: a comprehensive review on nanotechnological application insights into potential approaches

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) spreads and develops quickly worldwide as a new global crisis which has left deep socio-economic damage and massive human mortality. This virus accounts for the ongoing outbreak and forces an urgent need to improve antiviral therapeutics and targeted diagnosing tools. Researchers have been working to find a new drug to combat the virus since the outbreak started in late 2019, but there are currently no successful drugs to control the SARS-CoV-2, which makes the situation riskier. Very recently, new variant of SARS-CoV-2 is identified in many countries which make the situation very critical. No successful treatment has yet been shown although enormous international commitment to combat this pandemic and the start of different clinical trials. Nanomedicine has outstanding potential to solve several specific health issues, like viruses, which are regarded a significant medical issue. In this review, we presented an up-to-date drug design strategy against SARS-CoV-2, including the development of novel drugs and repurposed product potentials were useful, and successful drugs discovery is a constant requirement. The use of nanomaterials in treatment against SARS-CoV-2 and their use as carriers for the transport of the most frequently used antiviral therapeutics are discussed systematically here. We also addressed the possibilities of practical applications of nanoparticles to give the status of COVID-19 antiviral systems.

MiR-22-3p suppresses sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by targeting PTEN

Background: Septic acute kidney injury is considered as a severe and frequent complication that occurs during sepsis. The present study was performed to understand the role of miR-22-3p and its underlying mechanism in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.

Methods: Rats were injected with adenovirus carrying miR-22-3p or miR-NC in the caudal vein before cecal ligation. Meanwhile, HK-2 cells were transfected with the above adenovirus following LPS stimulation. We measured the markers of renal injury (blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR)). Histological changes in kidney tissues were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson staining, periodic acid Schiff staining and TUNEL staining. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NO were determined by ELISA assay. Using TargetScan prediction and luciferase reporter assay, we predicted and validated the association between PTEN and miR-22-3p.

Results: Our data showed that miR-22-3p was significantly down-regulated in a rat model of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury, in vivo and LPS-induced sepsis model in HK-2 cells, in vitro. Overexpression of miR-22-3p remarkably suppressed the inflammatory response and apoptosis via down-regulating HMGB1, p-p65, TLR4 and pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NO), both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, PTEN was identified as a target of miR-22-3p. Furthermore, PTEN knockdown augmented, while overexpression reversed the suppressive role of miR-22-3p in LPS-induced inflammatory response.

Conclusions: Our results showed that miR-22-3p induced protective role in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury may rely on the repression of PTEN.

Potential Therapeutic Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Review

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has been rapidly spreading globally and has caused worldwide social and economic disruption. Currently, no specific antiviral drugs or clinically effective vaccines are available to prevent and treat COVID-19. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can facilitate syndrome differentiation and treatment according to the clinical manifestations of patients and has demonstrated effectiveness in epidemic prevention and control. In China, TCM intervention has helped to control the epidemic; however, TCM has not been fully recognized worldwide. In this review, we summarize the epidemiology and etiological characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and the prevention and treatment measures of COVID-19. Additionally, we describe the application of TCM in the treatment of COVID-19 and the identification of small molecules of TCM that demonstrate anti-coronavirus activity. We also analyze the current problems associated with the recognition of TCM. We hope that, through the contribution of TCM, combined with modern technological research and the support of our international counterparts, COVID-19 can be effectively controlled and treated.

The therapeutic effects of traditional chinese medicine on COVID-19: a narrative review

Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new, highly infective virus. In the absence of specific vaccines and antiviral drugs, the China National Health Commission has released a series of COVID-19 treatment guidelines, which include symptomatic treatment, antiviral treatment, and traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). Aim of the review To analyze and summarize the role of TCMs in the treatment of COVID-19. Methods Relevant studies on TCMs related to the study aim were undertaken through a literature search to synthesize the extracted data. Results The China National Health Commission guidelines recommend 15 oral and injectable TCMs for COVID-19. Studies on TCMs have demonstrated that these compounds possess broad-spectrum antiviral and antibacterial properties, and they have certain advantages in the treatment of viral pneumonia and other emergent infectious diseases. Many TCMs also have potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation is one of the significant features in TCM. TCM compounds contain a variety of active ingredients that have proven multi-target effects, making it difficult for viruses to develop drug resistance. A variety of clinical pathways are involved in the actions of these TCMs. These properties allow TCMs to be used in the treatment of COVID-19. Conclusion TCMs have been widely used in the treatment of COVID-19 in China. The unique properties of TCM compounds allow TCMs to have a role in the management of COVID-19.

Effects of simvastatin on iNOS and caspase‑3 levels and oxidative stress following smoke inhalation injury

The overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induces cell apoptosis through various signal transduction pathways and aggravates lung injury. Caspase‑3 is an important protein in the apoptotic pathway and its activation can exacerbate apoptosis. Simvastatin, a hydroxymethyl glutaryl‑A reductase inhibitor, protects against smoke inhalation injury by inhibiting the synthesis and release of inflammatory factors and decreasing cell apoptosis. Following the establishment of an animal model of smoke inhalation injury, lung tissue and serum were collected at different time points and the protein and mRNA expression of iNOS and caspase‑3 in lung tissue by immunochemistry, western blot and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in lung tissue and serum were analyzed using thiobarbituric acid method and the WST‑1 method. The results were statistically analyzed. The lung tissues of the rats in the saline group and the low‑, middle‑ and high‑dose groups exhibited clear edema and hemorrhage, and had significantly higher pathological scores at the various time points compared with the rats in the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, lung tissue and serum samples obtained from these four groups had significantly higher mRNA and protein expression levels of iNOS and caspase‑3 (P<0.05), significantly lower SOD activity and higher MDA content (P<0.05). Compared with the saline group, the low‑, middle‑ and high‑dose groups had significantly lower pathological scores (P<0.05), significantly lower mRNA and protein expression levels of iNOS, caspase‑3 and MDA content in lung tissues (P<0.05) and significantly higher SOD activity in lung tissues and serum. The middle‑ and high‑dose groups had significantly lower pathological scores (P<0.05), significantly decreased iNOS and caspase‑3 mRNA and protein expression in lung tissues, significantly higher SOD activity in lung tissues and serum and a significantly lower MDA content (P<0.05) compared with the low‑dose group. With the exception of SOD activity in lung tissues at 24 and 72 h and MDA content in serum at 48 h, no significant differences were observed between the middle‑ and high‑dose groups. The present study demonstrated that there was an association between the therapeutic effect and dosage of simvastatin within a definitive range. In rats with smoke inhalation injury, simvastatin inhibited iNOS and caspase‑3 expression in lung tissues and mitigated oxidative stress, thereby exerting a protective effect. In addition, the effect and dose were associated within a definitive range.

Current strategies against COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) recently was declared a pandemic by world health organization (WHO) Due to sudden outbreaks, currently, no completely effective vaccine or drug is clinically approved. Several therapeutic strategies can be envisaged to prevent further mortality and morbidity. Based on the past contribution of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) and immune-based therapies as a treatment option in crucial pathogen outbreaks, we aimed to summarize potential therapeutic strategies that could be helpful to stop further spread of SARS-CoV-2 by effecting its structural components or modulation of immune responses. Several TCM with or without modification could be effective against the structural protein, enzymes, and nucleic acid should be tested from available libraries or to identify their immune-stimulatory activities to enhance several antiviral biological agents for effective elimination of SARS-CoV-2 from the host. TCM is not only effective in the direct inhibition of virus attachment and internalization in a cell but can also prevent their replication and can also help to boost up host immune response. Immune-modulatory effects of TCMs may lead to new medications and can guide us for the scientific validity of drug development. Besides, we also summarized the effective therapies in clinical for controlling inflammation. This review will be not only helpful for the current situation of COVID-19, but can also play a major role in such epidemics in the future.

Effects of 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxydihidrochalcone on innate inflammatory response

Chalcones present potential therapeutic activities reported on literature, which led us to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects and the acute toxicity of 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxydihydrochalcone (DHMDC) using in vitro and in vivo models. The anti-inflammatory activity was firstly in vitro investigated using macrophages (RAW 264.7) and neutrophils previously treated with DHMCD activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nitrite, IL-1β, and TNF levels were measured in the macrophage culture supernatant, and the adhesion molecule expression (CD62L, CD49D, and CD18) was evaluated in neutrophils. Then, carrageenan-induced inflammation was performed in the subcutaneous tissue of male Swiss mice. Leukocyte migration and histological analysis were performed in the pouches. Toxicological studies were carried out on female Swiss mice (600 mg/kg) through biochemical parameters and histopathological analysis. In vitro, the DHMCD significantly reduced the IL-1β, TNF, and nitrite levels. The DHMCD was also able to modulate the percentage of positive neutrophils for CD62L, without modifying the expression of CD18 or CD49d. In vivo, DHMCD (3 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced neutrophil migration to inflammatory exudate and subcutaneous tissue. No evidence of toxic effect was observed considering the biochemical parameters and histopathological analysis of liver and kidney. Together, the obtained data shows that DHMCD presents anti-inflammatory activity by modulating the macrophage inflammatory protein secretion and also by blocking the CD62L cleavage in neutrophils. Furthermore, there was not any evidence of toxic effect in acute toxicological analysis.

An Update on Current Therapeutic Drugs Treating COVID-19

The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has presented unprecedented challenges to the healthcare systems in almost every country around the world. Currently, there are no proven effective vaccines or therapeutic agents against the virus. Current clinical management includes infection prevention and control measures and supportive care including supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilatory support. Evolving research and clinical data regarding the virologic SARS-CoV-2 suggest a potential list of repurposed drugs with appropriate pharmacological effects and therapeutic efficacies in treating COVID-19 patients. In this review, we will update and summarize the most common and plausible drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. These drugs and therapeutic agents include antiviral agents (remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, lopinavir, umifenovir, favipiravir, and oseltamivir), and supporting agents (Ascorbic acid, Azithromycin, Corticosteroids, Nitric oxide, IL-6 antagonists), among others. We hope that this review will provide useful and most updated therapeutic drugs to prevent, control, and treat COVID-19 patients until the approval of vaccines and specific drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2.

Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Activities of a Polysaccharide from Ligustrum vicaryi L. Fruit

Ligustrum vicaryi L. is a hybrid of Ligustrum ovalifolium Hassk. var. aureo-marginatum and Ligustrum vulgale L., belonging to the Oleaceae family. It is often used as an ornamental shrub due to its golden leaves. However, its medical value is yet to be discovered. Recently, plant polysaccharides have attracted comprehensive attention owing to their biological properties, including immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to extract, purify, and characterize the polysaccharide from the Ligustrum vicaryi L. fruit and investigate its immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. The Ligustrum vicaryi L. fruit polysaccharide (LVFP) was obtained by ultrasonic extraction, ethanol precipitation, macroporous resin separation, and dialysis bag purification. The physicochemical properties of the LVFP were elucidated using Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, high-performance ion chromatography, and high-performance gel filtration chromatography. The results indicated that the LVFP consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, and glucose in a ratio of 1.79 : 7.55 : 4.58 : 1.54, and its molecular weight was 88,949 Da. The immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities of the LVFP were investigated using a cyclophosphamide- (Cy-) induced immunosuppressed mouse model. The results demonstrated that the LVFP significantly increased spleen and thymus indexes, enhanced the phagocytic function of neutrophils, activated B and T lymphocytes, and upregulated serum levels of IL-10 and TNF-α. Moreover, we observed that the LVFP relieved Cy-induced liver damage by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) levels. These results suggested that the LVFP has the immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities, therefore laying a foundation for the application of the LVFP in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries.