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Zhang L, Xu W, Zeng Y, Wang L, Luo J, Zhou X, Mei Q, Qin D, Wu A, Wu J, Huang F. Astragaloside IV accelerates hematopoietic reconstruction by improving the AMPK/PGC1α-mediated mitochondrial function in hematopoietic stem cells. Chin Med 2025; 20:44. [PMID: 40170084 PMCID: PMC11963557 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-025-01092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2025] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 04/03/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy can damage hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in bone marrow, leading to impaired hematopoietic function. Current treatments mainly target differentiated hematopoietic progenitor cells, which may accelerate their depletion. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), derived from Astragalus membranaceus, shows potential in hematopoiesis, but its direct effects on HSC remain unclear. METHODS The study employed both in vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro experiments utilized K562 cells and mouse bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNCs) to evaluate AS-IV's effects on cell proliferation and mitochondrial function. In vivo studies involved a 4.0 Gy total body irradiation mouse model treated with different doses of AS-IV (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg). The mechanism of action was investigated through Western blot, flow cytometry, and metabolomics analyses. The AMPK/PGC1α pathway regulation was verified using AMPK inhibitors and mutant plasmid, with molecular docking confirming AS-IV's direct binding to AMPK. RESULTS In vitro studies demonstrated that AS-IV significantly promoted the proliferation of K562 cells and BMNC while enhancing their mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial mass, and ATP production. In the irradiated mouse model, AS-IV treatment led to significant improvements in peripheral blood cell counts, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and hemoglobin levels. Further investigation revealed that AS-IV increased the proportion of HSC in both bone marrow and spleen while improving their mitochondrial function. Transcriptomic sequencing and Western blot analysis identified the AMPK/PGC1α signaling pathway as the key mechanism underlying AS-IV-mediated mitochondrial enhancement. These findings were validated through pharmacological inhibition of AMPK and AMPKK45R mutation experiments. CONCLUSION AS-IV accelerates hematopoietic reconstruction following radiation injury via activation of the AMPK/PGC1α signaling pathway, which enhances HSC mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Wanqi Xu
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yueying Zeng
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Long Wang
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jiesi Luo
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xiaogang Zhou
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Qibing Mei
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Dalian Qin
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Anguo Wu
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Jianming Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Feihong Huang
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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Kiang JG, Cannon G, Singh VK. An Overview of Radiation Countermeasure Development in Radiation Research from 1954 to 2024. Radiat Res 2024; 202:420-431. [PMID: 38964743 PMCID: PMC11385179 DOI: 10.1667/rade-24-00036.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Preparation for medical responses to major radiation accidents, further driven by increases in the threat of nuclear warfare, has led to a pressing need to understand the underlying mechanisms of radiation injury (RI) alone or in combination with other trauma (combined injury, CI). The identification of these mechanisms suggests molecules and signaling pathways that can be targeted to develop radiation medical countermeasures. Thus far, the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) has approved seven countermeasures to mitigate hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS), but no drugs are available for prophylaxis and no agents have been approved to combat the other sub-syndromes of ARS, let alone delayed effects of acute radiation exposure or the effects of combined injury. From its inception, Radiation Research has significantly contributed to the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of radiation injury and combined injury, and to the development of radiation medical countermeasures for these indications through the publication of peer-reviewed research and review articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliann G Kiang
- Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Georgetta Cannon
- Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
| | - Vijay K Singh
- Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine
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Al-Ibraheem A, Moghrabi S, Abdlkadir A, Safi H, Kazzi Z, Al-Balooshi B, Salman K, Khalaf A, Zein M, Al Naemi H, Aldousari H, Mula-Hussain L, Juweid M, Hatazawa J, Hawwari F, Mansour A. An Overview of Appropriate Medical Practice and Preparedness in Radiation Emergency Response. Cureus 2024; 16:e61627. [PMID: 38966480 PMCID: PMC11222772 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiation emergencies involving high doses of nuclear radiation pose significant risks from exposure to ionizing radiation in various scenarios. These situations include transportation accidents involving radioactive materials, occupational exposure, nuclear detonations, dirty bombs, and nuclear power plant accidents. In addition to the immediate risks of acute radiation syndrome (ARS) and related diseases, long-term exposure can increase the risk of other health issues such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children, face particular concern due to potential impacts on their health and the health of unborn babies. The severity of ARS depends on several factors such as radiation dose, quality, dose rate, exposure uniformity, and individual biological responses. Bioindicators are biological responses or markers that help assess the severity and effects of radiation exposure on an individual. Bioindicators can include physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or laboratory tests such as changes in blood cell counts and gene expression that can help in assessing and treating exposed individuals. Additionally, early prodromal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and erythema can provide important clues for diagnosis and treatment. Developing a comprehensive plan for radiation emergencies is vital for safeguarding public health, infrastructure, and the environment. First responders play a critical role in establishing safety perimeters, triage, and coordination with various stakeholders. Education and training are essential for medical personnel and the public. This article provides general recommendations and identifies challenges to effective radiation emergency preparedness and response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serin Moghrabi
- Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, JOR
| | - Ahmed Abdlkadir
- Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, JOR
| | - Heba Safi
- Health and Environment Unit, World Health Organization, Amman, JOR
| | - Ziad Kazzi
- Emergency Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | | | - Khaled Salman
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT imaging, King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC), Makkah, SAU
| | - Aysar Khalaf
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Warith International Cancer Institute, Karbala, IRQ
| | - Majdi Zein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Assad University Hospital, Damascus, SYR
| | - Huda Al Naemi
- Nuclear Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT
| | - Hanan Aldousari
- Molecular Imaging Department, Jaber Alahmad Center for Molecular Imaging, Kuwait City, KWT
| | - Layth Mula-Hussain
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ninevah University, Mosul, IRQ
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, CAN
| | - Malik Juweid
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, JOR
| | - Jun Hatazawa
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Tracer Kinetics, Osaka University, Osaka, JPN
| | - Feras Hawwari
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Internal Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, JOR
| | - Asem Mansour
- Radiology, King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, JOR
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Zuo Z, Wang L, Wang S, Liu X, Wu D, Ouyang Z, Meng R, Shan Y, Zhang S, Peng T, Wang L, Li Z, Cong Y. Radioprotective effectiveness of a novel delta-tocotrienol prodrug on mouse hematopoietic system against 60Co gamma-ray irradiation through inducing granulocyte-colony stimulating factor production. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116346. [PMID: 38518524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Considering the increasing risk of nuclear attacks worldwide, the development of develop potent and safe radioprotective agents for nuclear emergencies is urgently needed. γ-tocotrienol (GT3) and δ-tocotrienol (DT3) have demonstrated a potent radioprotective effect by inducing the production of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in vivo. However, their application is limited because of their low bioavailability. The utilization of ester prodrugs can be an effective strategy for modifying the pharmacokinetic properties of drug molecules. In this study, we initially confirmed that DT3 exhibited the most significant potential for inducing G-CSF effects among eight natural vitamin E homologs. Consequently, we designed and synthesized a series of DT3 ester and ether derivatives, leading to improved radioprotective effects. The metabolic study conducted in vitro and in vivo has identified DT3 succinate 5b as a prodrug of DT3 with an approximately seven-fold higher bioavailability compared to DT3 alone. And DT3 ether derivative 8a were relatively stable and approximately 4 times more bioavailable than DT3 prototype. Furthermore, 5b exhibited superior ability to mitigate radiation-induced pancytopenia, enhance the recovery of bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and promote splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis in sublethal irradiated mice. Similarly, 8a shown potential radiation protection, but its radiation protection is less than DT3. Based on these findings, we identified 5b as a DT3 prodrug, and providing an attractive candidate for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Zuo
- Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Limei Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Shaozheng Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- College of Life Sciences in Nanjing University (Xianlin Campus), State Key Lab of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (SKLPB), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Zhangyi Ouyang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ruoxi Meng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yajun Shan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Shouguo Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Tao Peng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Zhongtang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Yuwen Cong
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
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Ng J, Guo F, Marneth AE, Ghanta S, Kwon MY, Keegan J, Liu X, Wright KT, Kamaz B, Cahill LA, Mullally A, Perrella MA, Lederer JA. Augmenting emergency granulopoiesis with CpG conditioned mesenchymal stromal cells in murine neutropenic sepsis. Blood Adv 2020; 4:4965-4979. [PMID: 33049055 PMCID: PMC7556132 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020002556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with immune deficiencies from cancers and associated treatments represent a growing population within the intensive care unit with increased risk of morbidity and mortality from sepsis. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an integral part of the hematopoietic niche and express toll-like receptors, making them candidate cells to sense and translate pathogenic signals into an innate immune response. In this study, we demonstrate that MSCs administered therapeutically in a murine model of radiation-associated neutropenia have dual actions to confer a survival benefit in Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumo-sepsis that is not from improved bacterial clearance. First, MSCs augment the neutrophil response to infection, an effect that is enhanced when MSCs are preconditioned with CpG oligodeoxynucleotide, a toll-like receptor 9 agonist. Using cytometry by time of flight, we identified proliferating neutrophils (Ly6GlowKi-67+) as the main expanded cell population within the bone marrow. Further analysis revealed that CpG-MSCs expand a lineage restricted progenitor population (Lin-Sca1+C-kit+CD150-CD48+) in the bone marrow, which corresponded to a doubling in the myeloid proliferation and differentiation potential in response to infection compared with control. Despite increased neutrophils, no reduction in organ bacterial count was observed between experimental groups. However, the second effect exerted by CpG-MSCs is to attenuate organ damage, particularly in the lungs. Neutrophils obtained from irradiated mice and cocultured with CpG-MSCs had decreased neutrophil extracellular trap formation, which was associated with decreased citrullinated H3 staining in the lungs of mice given CpG-MSCs in vivo. Thus, this preclinical study provides evidence for the therapeutic potential of MSCs in neutropenic sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ng
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Min-Young Kwon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Xiaoli Liu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, and
| | - Kyle T Wright
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | - Mark A Perrella
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, and
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COVID-19: Proposing a Ketone-Based Metabolic Therapy as a Treatment to Blunt the Cytokine Storm. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:6401341. [PMID: 33014275 PMCID: PMC7519203 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6401341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by a high mortality rate due to some patients developing a large innate immune response associated with a cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This is characterized at the molecular level by decreased energy metabolism, altered redox state, oxidative damage, and cell death. Therapies that increase levels of (R)-beta-hydroxybutyrate (R-BHB), such as the ketogenic diet or consuming exogenous ketones, should restore altered energy metabolism and redox state. R-BHB activates anti-inflammatory GPR109A signaling and inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome and histone deacetylases, while a ketogenic diet has been shown to protect mice from influenza virus infection through a protective γδ T cell response and by increasing electron transport chain gene expression to restore energy metabolism. During a virus-induced cytokine storm, metabolic flexibility is compromised due to increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that damage, downregulate, or inactivate many enzymes of central metabolism including the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). This leads to an energy and redox crisis that decreases B and T cell proliferation and results in increased cytokine production and cell death. It is hypothesized that a moderately high-fat diet together with exogenous ketone supplementation at the first signs of respiratory distress will increase mitochondrial metabolism by bypassing the block at PDC. R-BHB-mediated restoration of nucleotide coenzyme ratios and redox state should decrease ROS and RNS to blunt the innate immune response and the associated cytokine storm, allowing the proliferation of cells responsible for adaptive immunity. Limitations of the proposed therapy include the following: it is unknown if human immune and lung cell functions are enhanced by ketosis, the risk of ketoacidosis must be assessed prior to initiating treatment, and permissive dietary fat and carbohydrate levels for exogenous ketones to boost immune function are not yet established. The third limitation could be addressed by studies with influenza-infected mice. A clinical study is warranted where COVID-19 patients consume a permissive diet combined with ketone ester to raise blood ketone levels to 1 to 2 mM with measured outcomes of symptom severity, length of infection, and case fatality rate.
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