Alisol B 23-Acetate Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction by Suppressing Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/NADPH Oxidase 2 (NOX2) Signaling Pathway

Mechanism of ferroptosis in heart failure: The role of the RAGE/TLR4-JNK1/2 pathway in cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and intervention strategies

The ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes has been recognized as the core pathological mechanism of heart failure. During the evolution of cardiovascular diseases, the accumulation of angiotensin II and advanced glycation end products can lead to the excessive activation of the RAGE/TLR4-JNK1/2 pathway, which subsequently triggers ferritinophagy, clockophagy, and enhanced p53 activity, ultimately leading to cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. It is evident that deeply unraveling the specific mechanisms in this field and comprehensively evaluating potential drugs and therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway is crucial for improving the status of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. However, our current understanding of this pathway's specific molecular biological mechanisms in the process of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis remains limited. In light of this, this paper first comprehensively reviews the historical context of ferroptosis research, compares the similarities and differences between ferroptosis and other standard modes of cell death, elucidates the core mechanisms of ferroptosis and its close connection with heart failure, aiming to establish a basic cognitive framework for readers on ferroptosis and its role in heart failure. Subsequently, the paper delves into the pivotal role of the RAGE/TLR4-JNK1/2 pathway in cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and its intricate molecular biological regulatory network. Furthermore, it systematically integrates various therapeutic approaches aimed at inhibiting RAGE, TLR4, and JNK1/2 activity to alleviate cardiomyocyte ferroptosis, encompassing RNA interference technology, gene knockout techniques, small molecule inhibitors, natural active ingredients, as well as traditional Chinese and Western medicines, with the ultimate goal of forging new avenues and strategies for the prevention and treatment of heart failure.

Methyl jasmonate induces the regulation of protostane triterpene biosynthesis by microRNAs in Alisma orientale

Protostane triterpenes are medicinally important components found in members of the Alismataceae botanical family, notably Alisma orientale. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is known to regulate protostane triterpene biosynthesis in A. orientale, but the microRNA (miRNA) mechanism underlying MeJA response to promote triterpene biosynthesis remains unknown. In this study, we conducted miRNA sequencing analysis after MeJA induction in A. orientale to uncover the role of miRNAs in protostane triterpene biosynthesis. We identified 222 known miRNAs and 379 novel miRNAs, including 16 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between control and MeJA-treated leaf samples. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, four DEMs and eight miRNA target genes were significantly enriched in the triterpene biosynthesis pathway. Integrated analysis of the transcriptome and miRNAome revealed a negative expression pattern between miRNAs and their target genes. We then constructed a regulatory network of miRNA-target gene relationships involved in the triterpene biosynthesis pathway. We found miRNAs may be involved in the response of A. orientale to exogenous MeJA by regulating the expression of key biosynthesis enzymes, leading to increased accumulation of medically important protostane triterpenes.

Natural products and ferroptosis: A novel approach for heart failure management

BACKGROUND

The discovery of ferroptosis has brought a revolutionary breakthrough in heart failure treatment, and natural products, as a significant source of drug discovery, are gradually demonstrating their extraordinary potential in regulating ferroptosis and alleviating heart failure symptoms. In addition to chemically synthesized small molecule compounds, natural products have attracted attention as an important source for discovering compounds that target ferroptosis in treating heart failure.

PURPOSE

Systematically summarize and analyze the research progress on improving heart failure through natural products' modulation of the ferroptosis pathway.

METHODS

By comprehensively searching authoritative databases like PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure with keywords such as "heart failure", "cardiovascular disease", "heart disease", "ferroptosis", "natural products", "active compounds", "traditional Chinese medicine formulas", "traditional Chinese medicine", and "acupuncture", we aim to systematically review the mechanism of ferroptosis and its link with heart failure. We also want to explore natural small-molecule compounds, traditional Chinese medicine formulas, and acupuncture therapies that can inhibit ferroptosis to improve heart failure.

RESULTS

In this review, we not only trace the evolution of the concept of ferroptosis and clearly distinguish it from other forms of cell death but also establish a comprehensive theoretical framework encompassing core mechanisms such as iron overload and system xc-/GSH/GPX4 imbalance, along with multiple auxiliary pathways. On this basis, we innovatively link ferroptosis with various types of heart failure, covering classic heart failure types and extending our research to pre-heart failure conditions such as arrhythmia and aortic aneurysm, providing new insights for early intervention in heart failure. Importantly, this article systematically integrates multiple strategies of natural products for interfering with ferroptosis, ranging from monomeric compounds and bioactive components to crude extracts and further to traditional Chinese medicine formulae. In addition, non-pharmacological means such as acupuncture are also included.

CONCLUSION

This study fills the gap in the systematic description of the relationship between ferroptosis and heart failure and the therapeutic strategies of natural products, aiming to provide patients with more diverse treatment options and promote the development of the heart failure treatment field.

Efficacy of Danlou tablets in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a multicenter prospective cohort study

Background

Danlou tablets (DLTs) have been widely used to treat coronary heart disease in China. However, the benefits associated with DLT for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in routine practice require further investigation.

Purpose

To investigate the effectiveness of DLT in patients with ACS undergoing PCI.

Methods

This multicenter prospective cohort study for patients with ACS undergoing PCI was conducted in 40 centers in mainland China from February 2012 to December 2018. This trial is registered under ChiCTR-OOC-14005552. Patients were assigned to either the DLT group or the conventional medicine (CM) group based on whether they used DLT prior to enrollment. The duration of DLT use (1.5 g, three times a day) was 12 months. The primary endpoint comprised of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and urgent revascularization. Secondary endpoint included rehospitalization owing to ACS, heart failure, stroke, and other thrombotic events. The Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) was used to assess quality of life (QOL). Primary and secondary endpoints were followed up for 36 months, and the SAQ was followed up for 12 months. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the independent effect of DLT on primary and secondary endpoints. Propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were performed to mitigate bias. Survival estimation was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests in the PSM cohort, and landmark analyses were used for further evaluation of primary and secondary endpoints. Subgroup analyses and interactions confirmed the robustness of the findings. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess the QOL.

Results

Overall, 936 patients were enrolled in this cohort study, of whom 875 completed follow-up. The primary and secondary endpoints had no significantly difference between the DLT and CM groups after Cox proportional hazards models. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests performed in the PSM cohort also found no significant differences between the two groups on primary and secondary endpoints. However, landmark analysis showed significant benefit in the primary endpoint for the DLT group after 200 days (hazard ratio [HR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.93, P = 0.03). Landmark analysis also showed a significant benefit in the secondary endpoint in the DLT group within 200 days (HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.73, P = 0.006). Moreover, DLT improves the SAQ summary score, and scores in the physical limitation, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception domains for patients with ACS undergoing PCI.

Conclusions

DLT combined with conventional treatment reduced the risk of the primary endpoint after 200 days and the secondary endpoint within 200 days during the 3-year follow-up. Additionally, DLT can improve the QOL without adverse effects.

RP105 Attenuates Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Myocardium via Activation of the Lyn/Syk/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Although our previous studies have established the crucial role of RP105 in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI), its involvement in regulating oxidative stress induced by MI/RI remains unclear. To investigate this, we conducted experiments using a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Adenovirus carrying RP105 was injected apically at multiple points, and after 72 h, the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 30 min followed by 2 h of reperfusion. In vitro experiments were performed on H9C2 cells, which were transfected with recombinant adenoviral vectors for 48 h, subjected to 4 h of hypoxia, and then reoxygenated for 2 h. We measured oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, using a microplate reader. The fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in myocardial tissue was measured using a DHE probe. We also investigated the upstream and downstream components of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Upregulation of RP105 increased SOD and GSH-Px activities, reduced MDA concentration, and inhibited ROS production in response to I/R injury in vivo and hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) stimulation in vitro. The overexpression of RP105 led to a decrease in the myocardial enzyme LDH in serum and cell culture supernatant, as well as a reduction in infarct size. Additionally, left ventricular fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (LVFS) were improved in the RP105 overexpression group compared to the control. Upregulation of RP105 promoted the expression of Lyn and Syk and further activated STAT phosphorylation, which was blocked by PP2 (a Lyn inhibitor). Our findings suggest that RP105 can inhibit MI/RI-induced oxidative stress by activating STAT3 via the Lyn/Syk signaling pathway.

Alisol B 23-acetate promotes white adipose tissue browning to mitigate high-fat diet-induced obesity by regulating mTOR-SREBP1 signaling

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is a global health concern with management strategies encompassing bariatric surgery and anti-obesity drugs; however, concerns regarding complexities and side effects persist, driving research for more effective, low-risk strategies. The promotion of white adipose tissue (WAT) browning has emerged as a promising approach. Moreover, alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A) has demonstrated efficacy in addressing metabolic disorders, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in obesity management. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of AB23A for mitigating obesity by regulating metabolic phenotypes and lipid distribution in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD).

METHODS

An obesity mouse model was established by administration of an HFD. Glucose and insulin metabolism were assessed via glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Adipocyte size was determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of browning markers in WAT was evaluated using Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Metabolic cage monitoring involved the assessment of various parameters, including food and water intake, energy metabolism, respiratory exchange rates, and physical activity. Moreover, oil red O staining was used to evaluate intracellular lipid accumulation. A bioinformatic analysis tool for identifying the molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine was used to examine AB23A targets and associated signaling pathways.

RESULTS

AB23A administration significantly reduced the weight of obese mice, decreased the mass of inguinal WAT, epididymal WAT, and perirenal adipose tissue, improved glucose and insulin metabolism, and reduced adipocyte size. Moreover, treatment with AB23A promoted the expression of browning markers in WAT, enhanced overall energy metabolism in mice, and had no discernible effect on food intake, water consumption, or physical activity. In 3T3-L1 cells, AB23A inhibited lipid accumulation, and both AB23A and rapamycin inhibited the mammalian target of rapamycin-sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (mTOR-SREBP1) signaling pathway. Furthermore, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, dexamethasone and insulin, at concentrations of 0.25 mmol/L, 0.25 μmol/L and 1 μg/mL, respectively, induced activation of the mTOR-SREBP1 signaling pathway, which was further strengthened by an mTOR activator MHY1485. Notably, MHY1485 reversed the beneficial effects of AB23A in 3T3-L1 cells.

CONCLUSION

AB23A promoted WAT browning by inhibiting the mTOR-SREBP1 signaling pathway, offering a potential strategy to prevent obesity. Please cite this article as: Han LL, Zhang X, Zhang H, Li T, Zhao YC, Tian MH, Sun FL, Feng B. Alisol B 23-acetate promotes white adipose tissue browning to mitigate high-fat diet-induced obesity by regulating mTOR-SREBP1 signaling. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(1): 83-92.

Farnesoid X receptor activation is required for the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of Alisol B 23-acetate in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice

Previous studies have shown that Alisol B 23-acetate (23ABA) had potent liver-protection effects, however, its roles and potential mechanisms in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis remain to be determined. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 23ABA on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and tried to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by focusing on regulating of farnesoid X receptor (FXR). In vivo study found that 23ABA alleviated the CCl4-induced liver injury, and showed no obvious systemic toxicity on mice. 23ABA inhibited the collagen production, decreased sera levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) and procollagen type III (PC-III), lowered mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, collagen I and collagen III in livers of mice. 23ABA inhibited the mRNA expressions and the sera levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in fibrotic livers of mice. Besides, 23ABA decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), increased glutathione (GSH) level, enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as increased mRNA expression of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalytic subunit (GCLC) and glutamate-cysteine ligase, modifier subunit (GCLM). Further study showed that the anti-liver injury and anti-fibrotic effects of 23ABA were abrogated by FXR antagonist guggulsterone (GS) in vivo. In addition, the inhibition effects of 23ABA on liver inflammation and oxidative stress were also weakened by treatment with GS in CCl4-induced fibrotic mice livers. In conclusion, the protective effects of 23ABA against CCl4-induced liver injury and fibrosis, due to FXR-mediated regulation of liver inflammation and oxidative stress.

Development of a three-step-based novel strategy integrating DMPK with network pharmacology and bioactivity evaluation for the discovery of Q-markers of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions: Danlou tablet as an example

BACKGROUND

Quality marker (Q-marker) serves an important role in promoting the standardization of the quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions. However, discovering comprehensive and representative Q-markers from TCM prescriptions composed of multiple components remains difficult.

PURPOSE

A three-step-based novel strategy integrating drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) with network pharmacology and bioactivity evaluation was proposed to discover the Q-markers and applied to a research example of Danlou tablet (DLT), a famous TCM prescription with remarkable and reliable clinical effects for coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

Firstly, the metabolic profile in vivo of DLT was systemically characterized, and the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of PK markers were then investigated. Secondly, an integrated network of "PK markers - CHD targets - pathways - therapeutic effects" was established to screen out the crucial PK markers of DLT against CHD. Thirdly, the crucial PK markers that could exhibit strong myocardial protection activity in the H9c2 cardiomyocyte model were selected as the candidate Q-markers of DLT. According to the proportion of their C_max value in vivo, the candidate Q-markers were configured into a composition; the bioactivity was then evaluated to confirm their synergistic effect and justify their usage as Q-markers.

RESULTS

First of all, a total of 110 DLT-related xenobiotics (35 prototypes and 75 metabolites) were detected in bio-samples, and the pharmacokinetic properties of 13 PK markers of DLT were successfully characterized, revealing the quality transitivity and traceability from prescription to in vivo. Then, 6 crucial PK markers with three topological features (degree, betweenness, and closeness) greater than the average values in the pharmacology network were screened out as the key components of DLT against CHD. Furthermore, among these 6 crucial PK markers, 5 components (puerarin, alisol A, daidzein, paeoniflorin, and tanshinone IIA) with strong myocardial protection activity were chosen as the candidate Q-markers to constitute a new composition. The composition activated the expression of the PI3K/AKT pathway and exhibited strong myocardial protection activity, and the effective concentrations (nM level) of these components in the composition were significantly lower than their individually effective concentrations (μM level), indicating that there was a certain synergistic effect between them. Hence, the 5 components with multiple properties, including testability, quality transitivity and traceability from prescription to in vivo, effectiveness, and compatibility contribution, were defined as comprehensive and representative Q-markers of DLT.

CONCLUSION

This study not only presented a novel idea for the revelation of comprehensive and representative Q-markers in quality control research of TCM prescriptions, but also identified the reasonable Q-markers of DLT for the first time to improve the quality control level of DLT.

Pharmacological Properties and Molecular Targets of Alisol Triterpenoids from Alismatis Rhizoma

More than 100 protostane triterpenoids have been isolated from the dried rhizomes of Alisma species, designated Alismatis rhizoma (AR), commonly used in Asian traditional medicine to treat inflammatory and vascular diseases. The main products are the alisols, with the lead compounds alisol-A/-B and their acetate derivatives being the most abundant products in the plant and the best-known bioactive products. The pharmacological effects of Ali-A, Ali-A 24-acetate, Ali-B, Ali-B 23-acetate, and derivatives have been analyzed to provide an overview of the medicinal properties, signaling pathways, and molecular targets at the origin of those activities. Diverse protein targets have been proposed for these natural products, including the farnesoid X receptor, soluble epoxide hydrolase, and other enzymes (AMPK, HCE-2) and functional proteins (YAP, LXR) at the origin of the anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and anti-proliferative activities. Activities were classified in two groups. The lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerosis effects benefit from robust in vitro and in vivo data (group 1). The anticancer effects of alisols have been largely reported, but, essentially, studies using tumor cell lines and solid in vivo data are lacking (group 2). The survey shed light on the pharmacological properties of alisol triterpenoids frequently found in traditional phytomedicines.

Alisol B 23-Acetate Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction by Inhibiting TLR4-NOX1/ROS Signaling Pathway in Caco-2 Cells

Alisol B 23-Acetate (AB23A) is a naturally occurring triterpenoid, which can be indicated in the rhizome of medicinal and dietary plants from Alisma species. Previous studies have demonstrated that AB23A could inhibit intestinal permeability by regulating tight junction (TJ)-related proteins. Even so, the AB23A protective mechanism against intestinal barrier dysfunction remains poorly understood. This investigation seeks to evaluate the AB23A protective effects on intestinal barrier dysfunction and determine the mechanisms for restoring intestinal barrier dysfunction in LPS-stimulated Caco-2 monolayers. According to our findings, AB23A attenuated the inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines production like IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and prevented the paracellular permeability by inhibiting the disruption of TJ in LPS-induced Caco-2 monolayers after treated with LPS. AB23A also inhibited LPS-induced TLR4, NOX1 overexpression and subsequent ROS generation in Caco-2 monolayers. Transfected with NOX1-specific shRNA diminished the up-regulating AB23A effect on ZO-1 and occludin expression. Moreover, transfected with shRNA of TLR4 not only enhanced ZO-1 and occludin expression but attenuated NOX1 expression and ROS generation. Therefore, AB23A ameliorates LPS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by inhibiting TLR4-NOX1/ROS signaling pathway in Caco-2 monolayers, suggesting that AB23A may have positive impact on maintaining the intestinal barrier’s integrity.

Alisol B 23-acetate, a new promoter for cholesterol efflux from dendritic cells, alleviates dyslipidemia and inflammation in advanced atherosclerotic mice

Atherosclerosis (AS) is characterized by dyslipidemia and chronic inflammation. In the high-fat environment, the lipid metabolism of dendritic cells (DCs) is abnormal, which leads to abnormal immune function, promotes the occurrence of immune inflammatory reactions, and promotes the development of AS. Alisol B 23-acetate (23B) is a triterpenoid in the rhizomes of Alisma, which is a traditional Chinese medicine. Here, we identified cholesterol metabolism-related targets of 23B through a virtual screen, and further transcriptome analysis revealed that 23B can change antigen presentation and cholesterol metabolism pathways in cholesterol-loaded DCs. In vitro experiments confirmed that 23B promoted cholesterol efflux from ApoE^-/- DCs, reduced the expression of MHC II, CD80, and CD86, and inhibited the activation of CD4⁺ T cells and the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IFN-γ. In advanced AS mice, 23B can decrease triacylglycerol (TG) levels and increase high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in plasma and the expression of cholesterol efflux genes in the aorta. Neither helper T cells 1 (Th1) nor regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood changed significantly in the presence of 23B, but 23B reduced the levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ in serum. However, 23B did not change the total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in serum or lipid accumulation in the aorta. Moreover, 23B did not increase the production of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in vivo or in vitro. These results indicate that 23B promotes cholesterol efflux from DCs, which can improve the immune inflammatory response and contribute to controlling the inflammatory status of AS.

Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis Identifies Crucial Genes Mediating Progression of Carotid Plaque

Background

Surface rupture of carotid plaque can cause severe cerebrovascular disease, including transient ischemic attack and stroke. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism governing carotid plaque progression and to provide candidate treatment targets for carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods

The microarray dataset GSE28829 and the RNA-seq dataset GSE104140, which contain advanced plaque and early plaque samples, were utilized in our analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the “limma” R package. Gene modules for both early and advanced plaques were identified based on co-expression networks constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes (KEGG) analyses were employed in each module. In addition, hub genes for each module were identified. Crucial genes were identified by molecular complex detection (MCODE) based on the DEG co-expression network and were validated by the GSE43292 dataset. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for crucial genes was performed. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the robustness of the networks that we constructed.

Results

A total of 436 DEGs were screened, of which 335 were up-regulated and 81 were down-regulated. The pathways related to inflammation and immune response were determined to be concentrated in the black module of the advanced plaques. The hub gene of the black module was ARHGAP18 (Rho GTPase activating protein 18). NCF2 (neutrophil cytosolic factor 2), IQGAP2 (IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 2) and CD86 (CD86 molecule) had the highest connectivity among the crucial genes. All crucial genes were validated successfully, and sensitivity analysis demonstrated that our results were reliable.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to combine DEGs and WGCNA to establish a DEG co-expression network in carotid plaques, and it proposes potential therapeutic targets for carotid atherosclerosis.

Hepatic stellate cells specific liposomes with the Toll-like receptor 4 shRNA attenuates liver fibrosis

The hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a significant role in the onset of liver fibrosis, which can be treated by the inhibition and reversal of HSC activation. The RNA interference-mediated TLR4 gene silencing might be a potential therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis. The crucial challenge in this method is the absence of an efficient delivery system for the RNAi introduction in the target cells. HSCs have an enhanced capacity of vitamin A intake as they contain retinoic acid receptors (RARs). In the current study, we developed cationic liposomes modified with vitamin A to improve the specificity of delivery vehicles for HSCs. The outcome of this study revealed that the VitA-coupled cationic liposomes delivered the TLR4 shRNA to aHSCs more efficiently, as compared to the uncoupled cationic liposomes, both in the in vitro and in vivo conditions. Besides, as evident from the outcome of this study, the TLR4 gene silencing inhibited the HSCs activation and attenuated the liver fibrosis via the NF-κB transcriptional inactivation, pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis. Thus, the VitA-coupled liposomes encapsulated with the TLR4-shRNA might prove as an efficient therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.

Complementary Chinese Herbal Medicine Therapy Improves Survival in Patients With Pemphigus: A Retrospective Study From a Taiwan-Based Registry

Pemphigus is a life-threatening and skin-specific inflammatory autoimmune disease, characterized by intraepidermal blistering between the mucous membranes and skin. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used as an adjunct therapy for treating many diseases, including pemphigus. However, there are still limited studies in effects of CHM treatment in pemphigus, especially in Taiwan. To more comprehensively explore the effect of long-term CHM treatment on the overall mortality of pemphigus patients, we performed a retrospective analysis of 1,037 pemphigus patients identified from the Registry for Catastrophic Illness Patients database in Taiwan. Among them, 229 and 177 patients were defined as CHM users and non-users, respectively. CHM users were young, predominantly female, and had a lesser Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) than non-CHM users. After adjusting for age, sex, prednisolone use, and CCI, CHM users had a lower overall mortality risk than non-CHM users (multivariate model: hazard ratio (HR): 0.422, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.242–0.735, p = 0.0023). The cumulative incidence of overall survival was significantly higher in CHM users than in non-users (p = 0.0025, log rank test). Association rule mining and network analysis showed that there was one main CHM cluster with Qi–Ju–Di–Huang–Wan (QJDHW), Dan–Shen (DanS; Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae; Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge), Jia–Wei–Xiao–Yao-–San (JWXYS), Huang–Lian (HL; Rhizoma coptidis; Coptis chinensis Franch.), and Di–Gu–Pi (DGP; Cortex lycii; Lycium barbarum L.), while the second CHM cluster included Jin–Yin–Hua (JYH; Flos lonicerae; Lonicera hypoglauca Miq.) and Lian–Qiao (LQ; Fructus forsythiae; Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl). In Taiwan, CHMs used as an adjunctive therapy reduced the overall mortality to approximately 20% among pemphigus patients after a follow-up of more than 6 years. A comprehensive CHM list may be useful in future clinical trials and further scientific investigations to improve the overall survival in these patients.

Alisol B 23-acetate activates ABCG5/G8 in the jejunum via the LXRα/ACAT2 pathway to relieve atherosclerosis in ovariectomized ApoE-/- mice

Phytosterols have been shown to improve blood lipid levels and treat atherosclerosis. This research investigated the effects of phytosterol Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A) on jejunum lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. The results show that intragastric administration of AB23A can significantly reduce atherosclerotic plaque area and lipid accumulation in the jejunum of ovariectomized ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet and can also improve the lipid mass spectra of the plasma and jejunum. In vitro studies have shown that AB23A can increase cholesterol outflow in Caco-2 cells exposed to high fat concentrations and increase the expression of ATP-binding cassette transfer proteins G5/G8 (ABCG5/G8), the liver X receptor α (LXRα). Furthermore, inhibition of LXRα can significantly eliminate the active effect of AB23A on decreasing intracellular lipid accumulation. We also confirmed that AB23A has a negative effect on Acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase 2 (ACAT2) in Caco-2 cells cultured in the high concentrations of fat, and we found that AB23A further reduces ACAT2 expression in cells treated with the ACAT2 inhibitor pyripyropene or transfected with ACAT2 siRNA. In conclusion, we confirmed that AB23A can reduce the absorption of dietary lipids in the jejunum by affecting the LXRα-ACAT2-ABCG5/G8 pathway and ultimately exert an anti-atherosclerotic effect.

Activation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) is required for Alisol B23-acetate to prevent post-menopausal atherosclerosis and reduced lipid accumulation

The risk of atherosclerosis (AS) ascends among post-menopausal women, while current hormone replacement therapy exerts several adverse effects. Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A), a tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from the rhizome of Alisma orientale, was reported to show multiple physiological activities, including regulating lipid metabolism. According to molecular docking analysis, it was predicted to bind with estrogen receptor α (ERα). In this study, we aimed to observe the effect of AB23A on preventing post-menopausal AS and explore whether the mechanism was mediated by ERα. In vitro, free fatty acid (FFA) was applied to induce the abnormal lipid metabolism of L02 cells. In vivo, the ApoE^-/- mice were ovariectomized to mimic the cessation of estrogen. The high-fat diet was also given to induce post-menopausal AS. We demonstrated AB23A attenuated the accumulation of total cholesterol and triglyceride induced by free fatty acids in hepatocytes. In high-fat diet-ovariectomy-treated ApoE^-/- mice, AB23A eliminated lipids in blood and liver. AB23A not only reduced the synthesis of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) through sterol-regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) but also suppressed the secretion of PCSK9 through silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1). Notably, AB23A promoted the expression of ERα in vivo and in vitro. The both ERα inhibitor and ERα siRNA were also applied in confirming whether the hepatic protective effect of AB23A was mediated by ERα. We found that AB23A significantly promoted the expression of ERα. AB23A could inhibit the synthesis and secretion of PCSK9 through ERα, lower the accumulation of triglyceride and cholesterol, and prevent post-menopausal AS.