Vasculoprotective Effects of 3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde against VSMCs Proliferation and ECs Inflammation

Controlling functional homeostasis of ileal resident macrophages by vitamin B12 during steady state and Salmonella infection in mice

Dietary micronutrients, particularly vitamin B12 (VB12), profoundly influence the physiological maintenance and function of intestinal cells. However, it is still unclear whether VB12 modulates the transcriptional and metabolic programming of ileal macrophages (iMacs), thereby contributing to intestinal homeostasis. Using multiomic approaches, we demonstrated that VB12 primarily supports the cell cycle activity and mitochondrial metabolism of iMacs, resulting in increased cell frequency compared to VB12 deficiency. VB12 also retained the ability to promote maintenance and metabolic regulation of iMacs during intestinal infection with Salmonella Typhimurium (STm). On the contrary, depletion of iMacs by inhibiting CSF1R signaling significantly increased host susceptibility to STm and prevented VB12-mediated pathogen reduction. These results thus suggest that regulation of VB12-dependent iMacs critically controls STm expansion, which may be of new relevance to advance our understanding of this vitamin and to strategically formulate sustainable therapeutic nutritional regimens that improve human gut health.

Benzaldehyde stimulates autophagy via the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway in mouse brain astrocytes after treatment with Angiostrongylus cantonensis excretory-secretory products

Autophagy is a vital cellular process responsible for digesting various cytoplasmic organelles. This process plays a crucial role in maintaining cell survival and homeostasis, especially under conditions that cause nutrient deficiency, cellular damage, and oxidative stress. Neuroangiostrongyliasis is an infection caused by the parasitic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis and is considered as an emerging disease in many parts of the world. However, effective therapeutic strategies for neuroangiostrongyliasis still need to be further developed. In this study, we investigated the effects of benzaldehyde treatment on autophagy and sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in A. cantonensis-infected mice and its mechanisms. First, we found autophagosome generation in the central nervous system after A. cantonensis infection. Next, benzaldehyde combined with albendazole treatment reduced eosinophilic meningitis and upregulated the expression of Shh signaling- and autophagy-related molecules in A. cantonensis-infected mouse brains. In vitro experiments demonstrated that benzaldehyde could induce autophagy via the Shh signaling pathway in A. cantonensis excretory-secretory products (ESPs)-treated mouse astrocytes. Finally, benzaldehyde treatment also decreased lipid droplet accumulation and increased cholesterol production by activating the Shh pathway after ESPs treatment. In conclusion, these findings suggested that benzaldehyde treatment could alleviate brain damage by stimulating autophagy generation through the Shh signaling pathway.

Aroma component analysis by HS-SPME/GC-MS to characterize Lager, Ale, and sour beer styles

The world of beer is a rich tapestry woven with diverse styles, each with its unique character. Lager, known for its crispness, ferments at lower temperatures, while ale, at warmer ones, boasts a wide spectrum of aromas. Belgian beers dazzle with their complexity, from fruity Trappist ales to sour lambics. German wheat beers, like hefeweizens, charm with their effervescence and fruity undertones. India Pale Ales (IPAs) showcase a hoppy burst, while sour ales tantalize with their tanginess. Craftsmanship, history, and regional ingredients intertwine in this world of brewing, offering aficionados an array of delightful experiences. Research on craft beer aromas is limited, and molecular fingerprint could be crucial. To date, there have been no studies focused on characterizing compound profiles to differentiate beer styles. The Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) method provides a rapid and solvent-free approach to volatile compound. The present study aims to characterize the aroma profile of a wide range of beers by using HS-SPME/GC-MS technique combined with multivariate data processing. A total of 120 beer samples were collected and divided into five categories: Pilsen (n = 28); Lager (n = 23); Ale (n = 32); Sour (n = 24); and Belgian Ales (n = 13). Among the Pilsen beers, 18 unique compounds were found for beers with hop extract and hops, and 2 for beers with hop extract (Octyl acetate; and alpha-Terpineol). When comparing the remaining groups to each other, Belgian beers exhibited 5 unique compounds, and Lagers had one (nonanal). Sours and Ales did not have unique compounds but shared 2 distinct compounds with the Belgian group each. We concluded that Belgian beers are the most complex in terms of various aroma-related compounds, and that it is possible to distinguish beers that use pure hops from hop extract.

Protective effect of benzaldehyde combined with albendazole against brain injury induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in mice

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, also known as rat lungworm, is an important food-borne zoonotic parasite that causes severe neuropathological damage and symptoms, including eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis, in humans. At present, the therapeutic strategy for cerebral angiostrongyliasis remains controversial. Benzaldehyde, an important bioactive constituent of Gastrodia elata (Tianma), reduces oxidative stress by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of benzaldehyde in combination with albendazole on angiostrongyliasis in animal models. First, the data from body weight monitoring and behavioural analyses demonstrated that benzaldehyde improved body weight and cognitive function changes after A. cantonensis infection. Next, blood‒brain barrier breakdown and pathological changes were reduced after benzaldehyde and albendazole treatment in BALB/c mice infected with A. cantonensis. Subsequently, four RNA-seq datasets were established from mouse brains that had undergone different treatments: normal, infection, infection + albendazole, and infection + albendazole + 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde groups. Ultimately, benzaldehyde was found to regulate cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and Sonic Hedgehog signalling in mouse brains infected with A. cantonensis. This study evaluated the therapeutic effect of benzaldehyde on angiostrongyliasis, and provided a potential therapeutic strategy for human angiostrongyliasis in the clinical setting. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of benzaldehyde in mouse brains infected with A. cantonensis was elucidated.

Structural diversity of cocrystals formed from acridine and two isomers of hydroxybenzaldehyde: 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde

Cocrystals formed from acridine and two isomers of hydroxybenzaldehyde: 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (2) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements show that compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic P1̄ space group, whereas compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic P2₁/n space group. In the crystals of title compounds, the molecules interact via O-H⋯N and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, and C-H⋯π and π-π interactions. DCS/TG measurements indicate that compound 1 melts at a lower temperature than the separate cocrystal coformers, whereas compound 2 melts at a higher temperature than acridine but at a lower temperature than 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The FTIR measurements reveal that the band attributed to the stretching vibrations of the hydroxyl group of hydroxybenzaldehyde disappeared, but several bands appeared in the range of 3000-2000 cm^-1.

Scutellarin Acts via MAPKs Pathway to Promote M2 Polarization of Microglial Cells

Scutellarin, an herbal agent, is known to possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In activated microglia, it has been reported that this is achieved through acting on the MAPKs, a key pathway that regulates microglia activation. This study sought to determine if scutellarin would affect the commonly described microglia phenotypes, namely, M1 and M2, thought to contribute to pro- and anti-inflammatory roles, respectively. This is in consideration of its potential effect on the polarization of microglia phenotypes that are featured prominently in cerebral ischemia. For this purpose, we have used an experimentally induced cerebral ischemia rat model and LPS-stimulated BV-2 cell model. Thus, by Western blot and immunofluorescence, we show here a noticeable increase in expression of M2 microglia markers, namely, CD206, Arg1, YM1/2, IL-4 and IL-10 in activated microglia both in vivo and in vitro. Besides, we have confirmed that Scutellarin upregulated expression of Arg1, IL-10 and IL-4 in medium supernatants of BV-2 microglia. Remarkably, scutellarin treatment markedly augmented the increased expression of the respective markers in activated microglia. It is therefore suggested scutellarin can exert the polarization of activated microglia from M1 to M2 phenotype. Because M1 microglia are commonly known to be proinflammatory, while M2 microglia are anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect, it stands to reason therefore that with the increase of M2 microglia which became predominant by scutellarin, the local inflammatory response is ameliorated. More importantly, we have found that scutellarin promotes the M2 polarization through inhibiting the JNK and p38 signaling pathways, and concomitantly augmenting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. This lends its strong support from observations in LPS activated BV-2 microglia treated with p38 and JNK inhibitors in which expression of M2 markers was increased; on the other hand, in cells subjected to ERK1/2 inhibitor treatment, the expression was suppressed. In light of the above, MAPKs pathway is deemed to be a potential therapeutic target of scutellarin in mitigating microglia mediated neuroinflammation in activated microglia.

Differences in the Establishment of Gut Microbiota and Metabolome Characteristics Between Balb/c and C57BL/6J Mice After Proton Irradiation

Although proton irradiation is ubiquitous in outer space as well as in the treatment of human diseases, its effects remain largely unclear. This work aimed to investigate and compare the composition of gut microbiota composition of mice in different species exposed to high-dose radiation. Male Balb/c mice and C57BL/6J mice were irradiated at a high dose (5Gy). Fecal specimens before and after irradiation were subjected to high-throughput sequencing (HTS) for the amplification of 16S rRNA gene sequences. We observed substantial changes in gut microbial composition among mice irradiated at high doses compared to non-irradiated controls. The changes included both the alpha and beta diversities. Furthermore, there were 11 distinct alterations in the irradiation group compared to the non-radiation control, including the families Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136, Bacteroides, Alistipes, Clostridiales, Muribaculum, and Alloprevotella. Such alterations in the gut microbiome were accompanied by alterations in metabolite abundances, while at the metabolic level, 32 metabolites were likely to be potential biomarkers. Some alterations may have a positive effect on the repair of intestinal damage. Simultaneously, metabolites were predicted to involve multiple signal pathways, such as Urea Cycle, Ammonia Recycling, Alpha Linolenic Acid and Linoleic Acid Metabolism, Ketone Body Metabolism, Aspartate Metabolism, Phenylacetate Metabolism, Malate-Aspartate Shuttle, Arginine and Proline Metabolism and Carnitine Synthesis. Metabolites produced by proton irradiation in the microbial region play a positive role in repairing damage, making this area worthy of further experimental exploration. The present work offers an analytical and theoretical foundation to investigate how proton radiation affects the treatment of human diseases and identifies potential biomarkers to address the adverse effects of radiation.

The Protective Effects of Ganoderic Acids from Ganoderma lucidum Fruiting Body on Alcoholic Liver Injury and Intestinal Microflora Disturbance in Mice with Excessive Alcohol Intake

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of ganoderic acids (GA) from Ganoderma lucidum against liver injury and intestinal microbial disorder in mice with excessive alcohol intake. Results showed GA supplement significantly inhibited the abnormal elevation of the liver index, serum lipid parameters, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in mice exposed to alcohol intake, and also significantly protected the excessive lipid accumulation and pathological changes. Alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the liver was significantly ameliorated by GA intervention through reducing the levels of maleic dialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase and increasing the levels of glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and alcohol dehydrogenase. Intestinal microbiota profiling demonstrated GA intervention modulated the composition of intestinal microflora by increasing the levels of Lactobacillus, Faecalibaculum, Romboutsia, Bifidobacterium and decreasing the Helicobacter level. Furthermore, liver metabolomic profiling suggested GA intervention had a remarkable regulatory effect on liver metabolism with excessive alcohol consumption. Moreover, GA intervention regulated mRNA levels of alcohol metabolism, fatty lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, bile acid biosynthesis and metabolism-related genes in the liver. Conclusively, these findings demonstrate GA intervention can significantly relieve alcoholic liver injury and it is hopeful to become a new functional food ingredient for the prevention of alcoholic liver injury.

Benzaldehyde Attenuates the Fifth Stage Larval Excretory–Secretory Product of Angiostrongylus cantonensis-Induced Injury in Mouse Astrocytes via Regulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Oxidative Stress

Excretory–secretory products (ESPs) are the main research targets for investigating the hosts and helminths interaction. Parasitic worms can migrate to parasitic sites and avoid the host immune response by secreting this product. Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important food-borne zoonotic parasite that causes severe neuropathological damage and symptoms, including eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalitis in humans. Benzaldehydes are organic compounds composed of a benzene ring and formyl substituents. This compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidation properties. Previous studies showed that 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3-HBA) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4-HBA) can reduce apoptosis in A. cantonensis ESP-treated astrocytes. These results on the protective effect underlying benzaldehyde have primarily focused on cell survival. The study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and oxidative stress in astrocytes in A. cantonensis ESP-treated astrocytes and to evaluate the therapeutic consequent of 3-HBA and 4-HBA. First, we initially established the RNA-seq dataset in each group, including normal, ESPs, ESPs + 3-HBA, and ESPs + 4-HBA. We also found that benzaldehyde (3-HBA and 4-HBA) can stimulate astrocytes to express ER stress-related molecules after ESP treatment. The level of oxidative stress could also be decreased in astrocytes by elevating antioxidant activity and reducing ROS generation. These results suggested that benzaldehyde may be a potential therapeutic compound for human angiostrongyliasis to support brain cell survival by inducing the expression levels of ER stress- and oxidative stress-related pathways.

Protocatechuic aldehyde prevents ischemic injury by attenuating brain microvascular endothelial cell pyroptosis via lncRNA Xist

BACKGROUND

Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory cell death characterized by the formation of inflammasomes. Abnormal inflammation in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) has been correlated with ischemic stroke. Protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA) is a hydrophilic phenolic acid derived from the traditional Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza with significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanism of PCA on BMEC pyroptosis under ischemic injury has been largely unexplored.

PURPOSE

We aimed to study the effects and mechanism of PCA on BMEC pyroptosis under ischemic injury.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected through the tail vein with different concentrations of PCA after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed. The protective effects of PCA in SD rats were examined via neurological scores, infarct volume evaluation, and anti-pyroptosis effects using immunofluorescence staining and western blot. Rat BMECs (rBMECs) were treated with different concentrations of PCA after oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). The ability of PCA to protect rBMECs was examined via cell viability, anti-oxidative activity, and anti-pyroptosis effects as determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. Additionally, the role of lncRNA Xist in anti-pyroptosis responses of PCA-treated rBMECs was validated with lncRNA Xist siRNA.

RESULTS

We found that treatment with MCAO and OGD increased the expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3, gasdermin D, Caspase-1, interleukin-1β, and NIMA-related kinase 7, which was reversed by treatment with PCA or MCC950 (a pyroptosis inhibitor). In addition, PCA reduced the cerebral infarct volume in MCAO rats and promoted cell survival and proliferation in OGD/reperfusion-treated rBMECs. PCA enhanced the antioxidant activity and mitochondrial membrane potential in rBMECs. PCA also enhanced lncRNA Xist expression, and when the expression of lncRNA Xist was silenced, PCA could not alleviate pyroptosis well in rBMECs.

CONCLUSION

Protocatechuic aldehyde prevents ischemic injury by attenuating rBMEC pyroptosis via lncRNA Xist.

3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde and 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde enhance survival of mouse astrocytes treated with Angiostrongylus cantonensis young adults excretory/secretory products

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

A Defined Combination of Four Active Principles From the Danhong Injection Is Necessary and Sufficient to Accelerate EPC-Mediated Vascular Repair and Local Angiogenesis

Many compounds in Chinese medicine formulae, including Danhong injection (DHI) formulae, are capable of stimulating angiogenesis and promoting vascular repair, but their chemical basis and action mechanisms remain poorly defined. The aim of this study is to determine the minimal native chemical composition of DHI for the pro-angiogenesis activity and to evaluate its contribution from local endothelial cells (ECs) and bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Our study demonstrated that the action of DHI in accelerating the recovery of hindlimb blood flow in a ischemic rat model was attributable to its local CXCR4-mediated pro-angiogenesis activity in mature endothelial cells, as well as to its ability to promote the proliferation, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis of EPCs via integrated activation of SDF-1α/CXCR4, VEGF/KDR, and eNOS/MMP-9 signal pathways. Combination experiments narrowed down the angiogenic activity into a few components in DHI. Reconstitution experiment defined that a combination of tanshinol, protocatechuic aldehyde, salvianolic acid B, and salvianolic acid C in their native proportion was necessary and sufficient for DHI's angiogenic activity. Compared with the full DHI, the minimal reconstituted four active principles had the same effects in promoting tube formation in vitro, improving perfusion and recovery of ischemic limb, and enhancing angiogenesis in ischemic mice post-hindlimb ischemia in vivo.

Safety Evaluation of a New Traditional Chinese Medical Formula, Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng II Formula, in Adult Rodent Models

Background

Ciji-Hua'ai-Baosheng II Formula (CHB-II-F) is a new traditional Chinese medical formula that has been shown to reduce toxicity and side effects of chemotherapy and increase the probability of cancer patient survival. Whether CHB-II-F is safe as an adjunctive therapy for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy has yet to be determined.

Purpose

To evaluate the acute and subchronic toxic effects of CHB-II-F in rodent models.

Methods

In acute toxicity test, 24 Kunming mice were divided into 2 groups: untreated control and CHB-II-F 1.05 g/mL (31.44 g/kg) treated group. Treatment was administered to the treated group 3 times a day for 14 days. The overall health, adverse reactions, and mortality rate were documented. In subchronic toxicity test, 96 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: untreated control, high dose CHB-II-F (H) (26.20 g/kg), medium dose CHB-II-F (M) (13. 10 g/kg), and low dose CHB-II-F (L) (6.55 g/kg) [equal to 24.375 g (dried medicinal herb)/kg] treated groups. Treated groups were given the treatments once a day for 4 weeks. The overall health and mortality rate were recorded every day. Body weight and food consumption were measured once a week. Hematologic and biochemical parameters, organ weights, and histopathologic markers were analyzed after 4 weeks. An additional 2 weeks were given as the treatment recovery period before end-point euthanization, and biochemical analyses were performed.

Results

The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of CHB-II-F on mice was found to be 94.31 g/kg [equal to 351 g (dried medicinal herb)/kg], which is 108 times the human adult dose. In the acute toxicity test, administration of CHB-II-F 31.44 g/kg showed no adverse effect and did not cause mortality. In the subchronic toxicity test, after 4 weeks of treatment, compared to the controls, total cholesterol (TCHO) level, cardiac and splenic indexes, body weights of female rats, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in the CHB-II-F (H) group were significantly increased; triglyceride (TG) in the CHB-II-F (M) group and liver and splenic indexes in the CHB-II-F (L) group were increased. After the two-week recovery period, biofluid analyses, food consumption, and histopathologic examinations showed no abnormalities.

Conclusion

Administration of CHB-II-F had no obvious adverse effect on the overall health of rodent models. A daily maximum dose of less than 94.31 g/kg or 6.55 g/kg CHB-II-F for 4 continuous weeks was considered safe.

Danhong injection in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: Pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic potential

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality worldwide, currently with less than optimum therapeutic options. Danhong injection (DHI) is a medicinal preparation based on two eminent Chinese herbal medicines, Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Dan Shen; family: Lamiaceae) and Flos Carthami (Hong Hua; family: Compositae/Asteraceae). DHI has been mainly used in the clinical therapy of cardiovascular (such as acute coronary syndrome and angina pectoris) and cerebrovascular diseases (such as stroke) in China for many years. The pharmacological properties of DHI include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-coagulatory, hypolipidemic, anti-apoptotic, vasodilatory, and angiogenesis-promoting actions. DHI offers a safe and effective therapeutic agent against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by modulating multiple disease-relevant signaling pathways and molecular targets. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the phytochemistry, therapeutic effects, molecular mechanisms, and adverse reactions of DHI in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. We also highlight the latest pharmacological advances and therapeutic potential of this promising herb-derived cardiovascular drug preparation.

Salvia miltiorrhizaBurge (Danshen): a golden herbal medicine in cardiovascular therapeutics

Salvia miltiorrhiza Burge (Danshen) is an eminent medicinal herb that possesses broad cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective actions and has been used in Asian countries for many centuries. Accumulating evidence suggests that Danshen and its components prevent vascular diseases, in particular, atherosclerosis and cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. The published literature indicates that lipophilic constituents (tanshinone I, tanshinone IIa, tanshinone IIb, cryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone, etc) as well as hydrophilic constituents (danshensu, salvianolic acid A and B, protocatechuic aldehyde, etc) contribute to the cardiovascular protective actions of Danshen, suggesting a potential synergism among these constituents. Herein, we provide a systematic up-to-date review on the cardiovascular actions and therapeutic potential of major pharmacologically active constituents of Danshen. These bioactive compounds will serve as excellent drug candidates in small-molecule cardiovascular drug discovery. This article also provides a scientific rationale for understanding the traditional use of Danshen in cardiovascular therapeutics.

4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde accelerates acute wound healing through activation of focal adhesion signalling in keratinocytes

4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (4-HBA) is a naturally occurring benzaldehyde and the major active constituent of Gastrodia elata. While recent studies have demonstrated metabolic effects of 4-HBA, little is known about the physiological role of 4-HBA in acute wound healing. Here, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of 4-HBA on acute wound healing. Using an in vitro approach, we found that 4-HBA significantly promoted keratinocyte cell migration and invasion by increasing focal adhesion kinase and Src activity. In addition, 4-HBA treatment also promoted wound healing and re-epithelialization in an in vivo excision wound animal model. Combination treatment with 4-HBA and platelet-derived growth factor subunit B homodimer showed synergistic effects in promoting wound healing. Taken together, our results demonstrated that treatment with 4-HBA promoted keratinocyte migration and wound healing in mouse skin through the Src/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Therefore, 4-HBA could be a candidate therapeutic agent with the potential to promote acute wound healing.

Mechanism of genistein regulating the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells into osteoblasts via the OPG/RANKL pathway

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, regulating the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into osteoblasts via the OPG/RANKL (Osteoprotegerin/Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand) pathway.

Methods

The mouse VSMCs were isolated, purified and cultured. We constructed the LV5-Tnfrsf11b overexpression lentiviral vector and LV3-OPG-309 interference lentiviral vector. The OPG overexpression was induced and the growth of VSMCs infected with the lentiviral vector was observed. The VSMC calcification and control group were treated with different doses of genistein. The mRNA and protein expression levels of OPG, α-SM-actin (smooth muscle actin), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and OPN (osteopontin) were detected in VSMCs after treatment using RT-PCR and Western Blot.

Result

We induced OPG overexpression and performed lentiviral vector infection of the VSMCs to suppress OPG expression, respectively, which was followed by treatment with genistein. The results showed that the relative expression of OPG was the highest in the VSMC calcification +genistein +OPG overexpression-inducing treatment group. It was the lowest in the VSMC calcification +OPG expression-suppressing treatment group. The relative expression of ALP was the highest in the VSMC calcification +OPG expression-suppressing treatment group, and the lowest in the VSMCs+genistein treatment group.

Conclusion

OPG gene plays an important regulatory role in the growth of VSMCs, by suppressing the calcification of VSMCs. Genistein could regulate the differentiation of VSMCs into osteoblasts via the OPG/RANKL pathway in a dose-dependent manner.

IMM-H004, a coumarin derivative, attenuated brain ischemia/reperfusion injuries and subsequent inflammation in spontaneously hypertensive rats through inhibition of VCAM-1

We studied the effect of IMM-H004 in treating brain I/R injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats and showed that IMM-H004 could efficiently ameliorate neurological defects and infarct volume in a time and dose dependent manner.