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Liu J, Feng W, Peng C. A Song of Ice and Fire: Cold and Hot Properties of Traditional Chinese Medicines. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:598744. [PMID: 33542688 PMCID: PMC7851091 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.598744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The theory of cold and hot properties is the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and has been successfully applied to combat human diseases for thousands of years. Although the theory of cold and hot is very important to guide the clinical application of TCMs, this ancient theory remains an enigma for a long time. In recent years, more and more researchers have tried to uncover this ancient theory with the help of modern techniques, and the cold and hot properties of a myriad of TCMs have been studied. However, there is no review of cold and hot properties. In this review, we first briefly introduced the basic theories about cold and hot properties, including how to distinguish between the cold and hot properties of TCMs and the classification and treatment of cold and hot syndromes. Then, focusing on the application of cold and hot properties, we take several important TCMs with cold or hot property as examples to summarize their traditional usage, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. In addition, the mechanisms of thermogenesis and antipyretic effect of these important TCMs, which are related to the cold and hot properties, were summarized. At the end of this review, the perspectives on research strategies and research directions of hot and cold properties were also offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwestern China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wuwen Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwestern China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwestern China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Iqbal H, Kim SK, Cha KM, Jeong MS, Ghosh P, Rhee DK. Korean Red Ginseng alleviates neuroinflammation and promotes cell survival in the intermittent heat stress-induced rat brain by suppressing oxidative stress via estrogen receptor beta and brain-derived neurotrophic factor upregulation. J Ginseng Res 2019; 44:593-602. [PMID: 32617039 PMCID: PMC7322747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Heat stress orchestrates neurodegenerative disorders and results in the formation of reactive oxygen species that leads to cell death. Although the immunomodulatory effects of ginseng are well studied, the mechanism by which ginseng alleviates heat stress in the brain remains elusive. Methods Rats were exposed to intermittent heat stress for 6 months, and brain samples were examined to elucidate survival and antiinflammatory effect after Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) treatment. Results Intermittent long-term heat stress (ILTHS) upregulated the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, increasing infiltration of inflammatory cells (hematoxylin and eosin staining) and the level of proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor α, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6], leading to cell death (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay) and elevated markers of oxidative stress damage (myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde), resulting in the downregulation of antiapoptotic markers (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) and expression of estrogen receptor beta and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, key factors in regulating neuronal cell survival. In contrast, KRG mitigated ILTHS-induced release of proinflammatory mediators, upregulated the mRNA level of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10, and increased myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde levels. In addition, KRG significantly decreased the expression of the proapoptotic marker (Bax), did not affect caspase-3 expression, but increased the expression of antiapoptotic markers (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL). Furthermore, KRG significantly activated the expression of both estrogen receptor beta and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Conclusion ILTHS induced oxidative stress responses and inflammatory molecules, which can lead to impaired neurogenesis and ultimately neuronal death, whereas, KRG, being the antioxidant, inhibited neuronal damage and increased cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Iqbal
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Si-Kwan Kim
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Min Cha
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sik Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea
| | - Prachetash Ghosh
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Kwon Rhee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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The Effects of Natural Chinese Medicine Aconite Root, Dried Ginger Rhizome, and Coptis on Rectal and Skin Temperatures at Acupuncture Points. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:7250340. [PMID: 29259648 PMCID: PMC5702397 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7250340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The 4 properties of Chinese materia medica refer to cold, hot, warm, and cool. In the present study, the effects of the Coptis, the prepared aconite root, and dried ginger rhizome were compared with regard to the rectal and skin temperature changes of the related body surface acupuncture points (Dazhui, Zhiyang, Mingmen, Zhongwan, and Shenque). The investigation aimed to explore the thermal sensitive points, which can reflect the cold and hot properties of the Chinese herbs. This study showed that the prepared aconite root and dried ginger rhizome exhibited a warming effect on the body temperature, whereas the warming sensitive points were Zhongwan, Shenque, Dazhui, and Zhiyang. Coptis exhibited both a warming and a cooling effect on the body temperature, and the cooling sensitive point was Dazhui. The concomitant effect of these three Chinese herbs on the regulation of the body temperature was reflected by Dazhui. However, there are still some limitations and one-sidedness. For instance, the cold and hot property of some herbs cannot be fully reflected through relevant acupoints on the conception and governor vessels. More detecting sites such as ears and internal organs will be selected for further exploration of Chinese herbs' cold and hot property.
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Moon M, Huh E, Lee W, Song EJ, Hwang DS, Lee TH, Oh MS. Coptidis Rhizoma Prevents Heat Stress-Induced Brain Damage and Cognitive Impairment in Mice. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9101057. [PMID: 28946610 PMCID: PMC5691674 DOI: 10.3390/nu9101057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat stress conditions lead to neuroinflammation, neuronal death, and memory loss in animals. Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) exhibits potent fever-reducing effects and has been used as an important traditional medicinal herb for treating fever. However, to date, the effects of antipyretic CR on heat-induced brain damages have not been investigated. In this study, CR significantly reduced the elevation of ear and rectal temperatures after exposure to heat in mice. Additionally, CR attenuated hyperthermia-induced stress responses, such as release of cortisol into the blood, and upregulation of heat shock protein and c-Fos in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of mice. The administration of CR inhibited gliosis and neuronal loss induced by thermal stress in the hippocampal CA3 region. Treatment with CR also reduced the heat stress-induced expression of nuclear factor kappa β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the hippocampus. Moreover, CR significantly decreased proinflammatory mediators such as IL-9 and IL-13 in the heat-stressed hypothalamus. Furthermore, CR attenuated cognitive dysfunction triggered by thermal stress. These results indicate that CR protects the brain against heat stress-mediated brain damage via amelioration of hyperthermia and neuroinflammation in mice, suggesting that fever-reducing CR can attenuate thermal stress-induced neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minho Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Korea.
| | - Eugene Huh
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of Herbal Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Wonil Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Eun Ji Song
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, 158, Gwanjeodong-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35365, Korea.
| | - Deok-Sang Hwang
- Department of Korean Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Tae Hee Lee
- Department of Formulae Pharmacology, School of Oriental Medicine, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnamdae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam 13120, Korea.
| | - Myung Sook Oh
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
- Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea.
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Jiang JF, Lei F, Yuan ZY, Wang YG, Wang XP, Yan XJ, Yu X, Xing DM, DU LJ. Mechanism underlying berberine's effects on HSP70/TNFα under heat stress: Correlation with the TATA boxes. Chin J Nat Med 2017; 15:178-191. [PMID: 28411686 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(17)30034-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress can stimulate an increase in body temperature, which is correlated with increased expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). The exact mechanism underlying the HSP70 and TNFα induction is unclear. Berberine (BBR) can significantly inhibit the temperature rise caused by heat stress, but the mechanism responsible for the BBR effect on HSP70 and TNFα signaling has not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between the expression of HSP70 and TNFα and the effects of BBR under heat conditions, using in vivo and in vitro models. The expression levels of HSP70 and TNFα were determined using RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses. The results showed that the levels of HSP70 and TNFα were up-regulated under heat conditions (40 °C). HSP70 acted as a chaperone to maintain TNFα homeostasis with rising the temperature, but knockdown of HSP70 could not down-regulate the level of TNFα. Furthermore, TNFα could not influence the expression of HSP70 under normal and heat conditions. BBR targeted both HSP70 and TNFα by suppressing their gene transcription, thereby decreasing body temperature under heat conditions. In conclusion, BBR has a potential to be developed as a therapeutic strategy for suppressing the thermal effects in hot environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Fei Jiang
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fan Lei
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Yuan
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yu-Gang Wang
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xin-Pei Wang
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Jin Yan
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xuan Yu
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Dong-Ming Xing
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Li-Jun DU
- MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Wang XP, Yu X, Yan XJ, Lei F, Chai YS, Jiang JF, Yuan ZY, Xing DM, Du LJ. TRPM8 in the negative regulation of TNFα expression during cold stress. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45155. [PMID: 28332601 PMCID: PMC5362914 DOI: 10.1038/srep45155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin-8 (TRPM8) reportedly plays a fundamental role in a variety of processes including cold sensation, thermoregulation, pain transduction and tumorigenesis. However, the role of TRPM8 in inflammation under cold conditions is not well known. Since cooling allows the convergence of primary injury and injury-induced inflammation, we hypothesized that the mechanism of the protective effects of cooling might be related to TRPM8. We therefore investigated the involvement of TRPM8 activation in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that TRPM8 expression in the mouse hypothalamus was upregulated when the ambient temperature decreased; simultaneously, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) was downregulated. The inhibitory effect of TRPM8 on TNFα was mediated by nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). Specifically, cold stress stimulated the expression of TRPM8, which promoted the interaction of TRPM8 and NFκB, thereby suppressing NFκB nuclear localization. This suppression consequently led to the inhibition of TNFα gene transcription. The present data suggest a possible theoretical foundation for the anti-inflammatory role of TRPM8 activation, providing an experimental basis that could contribute to the advancement of cooling therapy for trauma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Pei Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xuan Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Jin Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fan Lei
- School of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yu-Shuang Chai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jing-Fei Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Yuan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Dong-Ming Xing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Li-Jun Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Herrendorff R, Faleschini MT, Stiefvater A, Erne B, Wiktorowicz T, Kern F, Hamburger M, Potterat O, Kinter J, Sinnreich M. Identification of Plant-derived Alkaloids with Therapeutic Potential for Myotonic Dystrophy Type I. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:17165-77. [PMID: 27298317 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.710616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1) is a disabling neuromuscular disease with no causal treatment available. This disease is caused by expanded CTG trinucleotide repeats in the 3' UTR of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase gene. On the RNA level, expanded (CUG)n repeats form hairpin structures that sequester splicing factors such as muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1). Lack of available MBNL1 leads to misregulated alternative splicing of many target pre-mRNAs, leading to the multisystemic symptoms in DM1. Many studies aiming to identify small molecules that target the (CUG)n-MBNL1 complex focused on synthetic molecules. In an effort to identify new small molecules that liberate sequestered MBNL1 from (CUG)n RNA, we focused specifically on small molecules of natural origin. Natural products remain an important source for drugs and play a significant role in providing novel leads and pharmacophores for medicinal chemistry. In a new DM1 mechanism-based biochemical assay, we screened a collection of isolated natural compounds and a library of over 2100 extracts from plants and fungal strains. HPLC-based activity profiling in combination with spectroscopic methods were used to identify the active principles in the extracts. The bioactivity of the identified compounds was investigated in a human cell model and in a mouse model of DM1. We identified several alkaloids, including the β-carboline harmine and the isoquinoline berberine, that ameliorated certain aspects of the DM1 pathology in these models. Alkaloids as a compound class may have potential for drug discovery in other RNA-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Herrendorff
- From the Neuromuscular Research Group, Departments of Neurology and Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland and
| | - Maria Teresa Faleschini
- the Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adeline Stiefvater
- From the Neuromuscular Research Group, Departments of Neurology and Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland and
| | - Beat Erne
- From the Neuromuscular Research Group, Departments of Neurology and Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland and
| | - Tatiana Wiktorowicz
- From the Neuromuscular Research Group, Departments of Neurology and Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland and
| | - Frances Kern
- From the Neuromuscular Research Group, Departments of Neurology and Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland and
| | - Matthias Hamburger
- the Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Potterat
- the Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Kinter
- From the Neuromuscular Research Group, Departments of Neurology and Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland and
| | - Michael Sinnreich
- From the Neuromuscular Research Group, Departments of Neurology and Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland and
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Yuan ZY, Lu X, Lei F, Chai YS, Wang YG, Jiang JF, Feng TS, Wang XP, Yu X, Yan XJ, Xing DM, Du LJ. TATA boxes in gene transcription and poly (A) tails in mRNA stability: New perspective on the effects of berberine. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18326. [PMID: 26671652 PMCID: PMC4680869 DOI: 10.1038/srep18326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a natural compound with variable pharmacological effects and a broad panel of target genes. We investigated berberine’s pharmacological activities from the perspective of its nucleotide-binding ability and discovered that BBR directly regulates gene expression by targeting TATA boxes in transcriptional regulatory regions as well as the poly adenine (poly (A)) tail at the mRNA terminus. BBR inhibits gene transcription by binding the TATA boxes in the transcriptional regulatory region, but it promotes higher levels of expression by targeting the poly (A) tails of mRNAs. The present study demonstrates that TATA boxes and poly (A) tails are the first and second primary targets by which BBR regulates gene expression. The final outcome of gene regulation by BBR depends on the structure of the individual gene. This is the first study to reveal that TATA boxes and poly (A) tails are direct targets for BBR in its regulation of gene expression. Our findings provide a novel explanation for the complex activities of a small molecule compound in a biological system and a novel horizon for small molecule-compound pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yi Yuan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xi Lu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fan Lei
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yu-Shuang Chai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yu-Gang Wang
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jing-Fei Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tian-Shi Feng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xin-Pei Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xuan Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Jin Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Dong-Ming Xing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Li-Jun Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Wang XP, Lei F, Du F, Chai YS, Jiang JF, Wang YG, Yu X, Yan XJ, Xing DM, Du LJ. Protection of Gastrointestinal Mucosa from Acute Heavy Alcohol Consumption: The Effect of Berberine and Its Correlation with TLR2, 4/IL1β-TNFα Signaling. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26226164 PMCID: PMC4520689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to confirm the protective effect of berberine (BBR) on gastrointestinal injury caused by acute heavy alcohol exposure, an effect that has not been reported previously. Our research details how BBR protects against gastrointestinal injuries from acute alcohol exposure using both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Acute high alcohol concentrations lead to obvious damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, resulting in necrosis of the intestinal mucosa. Oral administration of BBR was able to significantly reduce this alcohol-induced damage, inhibit increases of alcohol-induced TNFα and IL-1β expression in gastrointestinal mucosa as well as their upstream signals TLR2 and TLR4, and regulate cytokines that modulate tight junctions. Alcohol consumption is a popular human social behavior worldwide, and the present study reports a comprehensive mechanism by which BBR protects against gastrointestinal injuries from alcohol stress, providing people with a novel application of BBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Pei Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Fan Lei
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Feng Du
- Department of Mathematics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, United States of America
| | - Yu-Shuang Chai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jing-Fei Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yu-Gang Wang
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States of America
| | - Xuan Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Jin Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Dong-Ming Xing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Li-Jun Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- * E-mail:
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Wang F, Li Y, Cao Y, Li C. Zinc might prevent heat-induced hepatic injury by activating the Nrf2-antioxidant in mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 165:86-95. [PMID: 25586622 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-015-0228-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is generally known to be an essential trace element with growth-promoting and antioxidant activities. The present study was performed to clarify the role of Zn in the livers of heat-treated mice. Eight-week-old male mice were divided into control (Con), heat treatment (HT) and heat treatment plus zinc groups (HT + Zn) and were fed diets containing 60, 60, or 300 mg/kg Zn (zinc sulfate), respectively. After 30 days of feeding on their respective diets, the control group was maintained at a controlled temperature (25 °C), whereas the HT and HT + Zn groups were exposed to an elevated ambient temperature (40-42 °C) for 2 h each day. After heat exposure for seven consecutive days, sera and liver tissues were collected. The mice in the HT group exhibited reduced liver weights and lower hepatosomatic indices. Histological findings revealed that the hepatocytes of the HT group were subjected to serious damage and exhibited irregular arrangements and nuclear pyknosis. Moreover, in the HT group, the hepatic malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased, while the serum alkaline phosphatase levels, hepatic copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly reduced compared to those of the control group. However, in the HT + Zn group, the histomorphology of the liver was restored, the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was significantly decreased, and the hepatic CuZn-SOD activity was significantly increased compared to the HT group. Furthermore, expressions of the hepatic Nrf2 protein and Nrf2, Keap1, and NQO1 genes in the HT + Zn group were not only higher than the HT group but also higher than the control group. Zn might alleviate heat-induced hepatic injury as revealed by restored histomorphology and AST level. Our results further suggest that Zn might exert its protective effects via the activation of the Nrf2-antioxidant pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
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The Effects of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius on Thermoregulation in Animal Models. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:748041. [PMID: 25709709 PMCID: PMC4331477 DOI: 10.1155/2015/748041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
We devised a study using animal models of hyperthermia and hypothermia and also attempted to accurately assess the effects of Panax ginseng (PG) and Panax quinquefolius (PQ) on body temperature using these models. In addition, we investigated the effects of PG and PQ in our animal models in high and low temperature environments. The results of our experiments show that mice with normothermia, hyperthermia, and hypothermia maintained their body temperatures after a certain period in accordance with the condition of each animal model. In our experiments of body temperature change in models of normal, low, or high room temperature, the hyperthermic model did not show any body temperature change in either the PG- or PQ-administered group. In the normal and low room temperature models, the group administered PG maintained body temperature, while the body temperature of the PQ-administered group was lower than or similar to that of the control group. In conclusion, the fact that PG increases body temperature could not be verified until now. We also showed that the effect of maintaining body temperature in the PG-administered group was superior in a hypothermia-prone low temperature environment.
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Transportation of berberine into HepG2, HeLa and SY5Y cells: a correlation to its anti-cancer effect. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112937. [PMID: 25402492 PMCID: PMC4234535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-cancer activities of berberine (BBR) have been reported extensively in various cancer cell lines. However, the minimal inhibitory concentrations of BBR varied greatly among different cell lines and very few studies have been devoted to elucidate this aspect. In this study, we employed three cancer cell lines, HepG2, HeLa and SY5Y, to compare the transportation and distribution of BBR. HPLC results demonstrated that BBR was capable of penetrating all the cell lines whereas the cumulative concentrations were significantly different. HepG2 cells accumulated higher level of BBR for longer duration than the other two cell lines. Molecular docking studies revealed the BBR binding site on P-glycoprotein 1 (P-gp). In addition, we elucidated that BBR regulated P-gp at both mRNA and protein levels. BBR induced the transcription and translation of P-gp in HeLa and SY5Y cells, whereas BBR inhibited P-gp expression in HepG2 cells. Further study showed that BBR regulates P-gp expression depending on different mechanisms (or affected by different factors) in different cell lines. To summarize, our study has revealed several mechanistic aspects of BBR regulation on P-gp in different cancer cell lines and might shed some useful insights into the use of BBR in the anti-cancer drug development.
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Kong X, Wan H, Su X, Zhang C, Yang Y, Li X, Yao L, Lin N. Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch., exert antipyretic effect on yeast-induced pyrexia rats involving regulation of TRPV1 and TRPM8 expression. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 153:160-8. [PMID: 24530855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch., are two representative cold-natured traditional Chinese medicine with heat-clearing effect, and were widely used to treat fever associated diseases in China for a long history. To elucidate the mechanism of the antipyretic effect of Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch. from the perspective of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and transient receptor potential melastatin 8 expression on yeast-induced pyrexia rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pyrexia model was induced by injecting 20mg/kg of yeast suspension subcutaneously on rat. 3.5g/kg Rheum palmatum L. or 2.8g/kg Coptis chinensis Franch. were given intragastric administration 1h before and 3h after pyrexia inducion. Rectal temperature was recorded by electronic thermometer every hour. Protein expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and melastatin 8 were examined by immunohistochemical staining in dorsal root ganglion, as well as in the paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nucleus, two important nucleuses of hypothalamus for thermoregulation. Western blot analysis was also applied to test transient receptor potential levels in dorsal root ganglion and hypothalamus. The levels of prostaglandin E2, cyclic adenosine 3׳,5׳-monophosphate and arginine vasopressin were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in plasma and hypothalamus. RESULTS Both Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch. clearly decreased the rectal temperature elevated by yeast in rats from 4h to 12h, especially 4-8h after yeast induction. Importantly, Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch suppressed transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and increased transient receptor potential melastatin 8 expressions in hypothalamus and dorsal root ganglion, at 4h, 8h and 12h after yeast induction when rectal temperature began to rise, reach the peak and decrease separately. Additionally, Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch. interrupted the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and melastatin 8 protein expressions in paraventricular nuclei and supraoptic nucleus with the similar tendency as hypothalamus. Finally, Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch. inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2 and cyclic adenosine 3׳,5׳-monophosphate, while promoted the secretion of arginine vasopressin. CONCLUSION The antipyretic effect of Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch might result, at least in part, from the regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and melastatin 8 expressions. Thus, our findings provide scientific basis for the wide use of cold-natured traditional Chinese medicine such as Rheum palmatum L. and Coptis chinensis Franch in China as a traditional antipyretics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangying Kong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hongye Wan
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xiaohui Su
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Cun Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Na Lin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
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