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Wei W, Pei H, Ma LN, Zheng R, Huang QY, Chang SR, Cao Y, Li H. Comparison of Yizhiqingxin formula extraction methods and their pharmacodynamic differences. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1097859. [PMID: 36875667 PMCID: PMC9978475 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1097859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study compared different extraction methods of Yizhiqingxin formula (YQF) and its neuroprotective effects based on pharmacodynamic indices such as learning and memory ability, brain tissue histopathology and morphology, and inflammatory factor expression in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods The pharmaceutical components of YQF were extracted using three extraction processes, and the components were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Donepezil hydrochloride was used as a positive control drug. Fifty 7-8-month-old 3 × Tg AD mice were randomly divided into three YQF groups (YQF-1, YQF-2, and YQF-3), a donepezil group, and a model group. Ten age-matched C57/BL6 mice were used as normal controls. YQF and Donepezil were administered by gavage at a clinically equivalent dose of 2.6 and 1.3 mg⋅kg-1⋅d-1, respectively, with a gavage volume of 0.1 ml/10 g. Control and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage. After 2 months, the efficacy was evaluated using behavioral experiments, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and serum assays. Results The main components in YQF are ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, epiberberine, coptisine chloride, palmatine, berberine, and ferulic acid. YQF-3 (alcohol extraction) has the highest content of active compounds, followed by YQF-2 (water extraction and alcohol precipitation method). Compared to the model group, the three YQF groups showed alleviated histopathological changes and improved spatial learning and memory, with the effect in YQF-2 being the most significant. YQF showed protection of hippocampal neurons, most significantly in the YQF-1 group. YQF significantly reduced Aβ pathology and tau hyperphosphorylation, decreased expressions of serum pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 as well as serum chemokines MCP-1 and MIG. Conclusion YQF prepared by three different processes showed differences in pharmacodynamics in an AD mouse model. YQF-2 was significantly better than the other extraction processes in improving memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Pei
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Na Ma
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiao-Yi Huang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Su-Rui Chang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Ding MR, Qu YJ, Hu B, An HM. Signal pathways in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease with traditional Chinese medicine. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113208. [PMID: 35660246 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM OF THE REVIEW This study aimed to reveal the classical signal pathways and important potential targets of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), and provide support for further investigation on TCM and its active ingredients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Literature survey was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI, and other databases, with "Alzheimer's disease," "traditional Chinese medicine," "medicinal herb," "Chinese herb," and "natural plant" as the primary keywords. RESULTS TCM could modulate signal pathways related to AD pathological progression, including NF-κB, Nrf2, JAK/STAT, ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, autophagy-lysosome pathway-related AMPK/mTOR, GSK-3/mTOR, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, as well as SIRT1 and PPARα pathway. It could regulate crosstalk between pathways through a multitarget, thus maintaining chronic inflammatory interaction balance, inhibiting oxidative stress damage, regulating ubiquitin-proteasome system function, modulating autophagy, and eventually improving cognitive impairment in patients with AD. CONCLUSION TCM could be multilevel, multitargeted, and multifaceted to prevent and treat AD. In-depth research on the prevention and treatment of AD with TCM could provide new ideas for exploring the pathogenesis of AD and developing new anti-AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Rui Ding
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan-Jie Qu
- Department of Neurology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Oncology, Department of Oncology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Hong-Mei An
- Department of Science & Technology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
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3
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Zhang T, Wei W, Chang S, Liu N, Li H. Integrated Network Pharmacology and Comprehensive Bioinformatics Identifying the Mechanisms and Molecular Targets of Yizhiqingxin Formula for Treatment of Comorbidity With Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:853375. [PMID: 35548356 PMCID: PMC9081443 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.853375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The Yizhiqinxin formula (YZQX) has been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or major depression disorder (MDD). However, its specific underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets remain unclear.Methods: The ingredients and putative targets of YZQX were screened using the TCMSP and Drugbank databases. Next, the GEO database was used to retrieve relevant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AD or MDD and normal tissues. The PPI network was established, merged, and further screened to identify the main ingredients and core targets of YZQX against AD and MDD comorbidities. We performed enrichment analysis of core targets to identify biological processes and pathways. Finally, AutoDock software was used to validate the binding affinity between the crucial targets of direct action and their corresponding ingredients.Results: A total of 43 ingredients were identified from YZQX, of which 43 were screened to yield 504 targets. By establishing the PPI network, 92 targets were regarded as targets of YZQX against AD and MDD comorbidities in the core network. Promising targets (HSP90AA1, ESR1, AKT1, VCAM1, EGFR, CDK1, MAPK1, CDK2, MYC, HSPB1, and HSPA5) and signaling pathways (PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, MAPK signaling pathway, etc.) were filtered and refined to elucidate the underlying mechanism of YZQX against AD and MDD comorbidities. Molecular docking confirmed the ingredients of YZQX (quercetin and kaempferol) could bind well to multiple crucial targets.Conclusion: The ingredients of YZQX, such as quercetin and kaempferol, might treat AD and MDD comorbidities by acting on multiple targets and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Surui Chang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nanyang Liu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Nanyang Liu, ; Hao Li,
| | - Hao Li
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Nanyang Liu, ; Hao Li,
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Guo P, Zhang B, Zhao J, Wang C, Wang Z, Liu A, Du G. Medicine-Food Herbs against Alzheimer’s Disease: A Review of Their Traditional Functional Features, Substance Basis, Clinical Practices and Mechanisms of Action. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030901. [PMID: 35164167 PMCID: PMC8839204 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that currently has reached epidemic proportions among elderly populations around the world. In China, available traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) that organically combine functional foods with medicinal values are named “Medicine Food Homology (MFH)”. In this review, we focused on MFH varieties for their traditional functional features, substance bases, clinical uses, and mechanisms of action (MOAs) for AD prevention and treatment. We consider the antiAD active constituents from MFH species, their effects on in vitro/in vivo AD models, and their drug targets and signal pathways by summing up the literature via a systematic electronic search (SciFinder, PubMed, and Web of Science). In this paper, several MFH plant sources are discussed in detail from in vitro/in vivo models and methods, to MOAs. We found that most of the MFH varieties exert neuroprotective effects and ameliorate cognitive impairments by inhibiting neuropathological signs (Aβ-induced toxicity, amyloid precursor protein, and phosphorylated Tau immunoreactivity), including anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, antiautophagy, and antiapoptosis, etc. Indeed, some MFH substances and their related phytochemicals have a broad spectrum of activities, so they are superior to simple single-target drugs in treating chronic diseases. This review can provide significant guidance for people’s healthy lifestyles and drug development for AD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (P.G.); (B.Z.); (J.Z.); (C.W.); (Z.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Baoyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (P.G.); (B.Z.); (J.Z.); (C.W.); (Z.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (P.G.); (B.Z.); (J.Z.); (C.W.); (Z.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (P.G.); (B.Z.); (J.Z.); (C.W.); (Z.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (P.G.); (B.Z.); (J.Z.); (C.W.); (Z.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ailin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (P.G.); (B.Z.); (J.Z.); (C.W.); (Z.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (G.D.)
| | - Guanhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (P.G.); (B.Z.); (J.Z.); (C.W.); (Z.W.)
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (A.L.); (G.D.)
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Xu J, Shan X, Chen C, Gao Y, Zou D, Wang X, Wang T, Shi Y. Tangshenning Attenuates High Glucose-Induced Podocyte Injury via Restoring Autophagy Activity through Inhibiting mTORC1 Activation. J Diabetes Res 2022; 2022:1610416. [PMID: 35799948 PMCID: PMC9256440 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1610416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the most common cause of death in diabetic patients. DN progression is associated with podocyte damage due to reduced autophagy caused by mTORC1 activation. Tangshenning (TSN) has been shown to reduce proteinuria, protect renal function, and reduce podocyte damage. Still, the effect of TSN on the autophagic activity of podocytes remains unclear. Herein, in vitro experiments using a high glucose-induced podocyte injury model were performed. Results showed that TSN treatment enhanced the weakened nephrin expression and autophagic activity of podocytes and inhibited the mTORC1 pathway (p-mTOR, mTOR, p-p70S6K, p70S6K, ULK1, and 4EBP1) under high glucose conditions. Furthermore, the mTORC1 activator (siRNA-TSC2) partially inhibited the above beneficial effects of TSN, suggesting that mTORC1 was the target of TSN to regulate autophagy. In summary, TSN reduces podocyte damage induced by high glucose via inhibiting mTORC1 pathway and downstream targets and restoring podocyte autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Shan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Chunwei Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yanbin Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Dawei Zou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yimin Shi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
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6
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Sun XL, Zhang JB, Guo YX, Xia TS, Xu LC, Rahmand K, Wang GP, Li XJ, Han T, Wang NN, Xin HL. Xanthohumol ameliorates memory impairment and reduces the deposition of β-amyloid in APP/PS1 mice via regulating the mTOR/LC3II and Bax/Bcl-2 signalling pathways. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:1230-1239. [PMID: 33909081 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Xanthohumol (XAN) is a unique component of Humulus lupulus L. and is known for its diverse biological activities. In this study, we investigated whether Xanthohumol could ameliorate memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice, and explored its potential mechanism of action. METHODS APP/PS1 mice were used for in vivo test and were treated with N-acetylcysteine and Xanthohumol for 2 months. Learning and memory levels were evaluated by the Morris water maze. Inflammatory and oxidative markers in serum and hippocampus and the deposition of Aβ in the hippocampus were determined. Moreover, the expression of autophagy and apoptosis proteins was also evaluated by western blot. KEY FINDINGS Xanthohumol significantly reduced the latency and increased the residence time of mice in the target quadrant. Additionally, Xanthohumol increased superoxide dismutase level and reduced Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-1β levels both in serum and hippocampus. Xanthohumol also significantly reduced Aβ deposition in the hippocampus and activated autophagy and anti-apoptotic signals. CONCLUSIONS Xanthohumol effectively ameliorates memory impairment of APP/PS1 mice by activating mTOR/LC3 and Bax/Bcl-2 signalling pathways, which provides new insight into the neuroprotective effects of Xanthohumol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lei Sun
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, ShanghaiChina.,School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, JinanChina
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, ShanghaiChina
| | - Yun-Xiang Guo
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, ShanghaiChina
| | - Tian-Shuang Xia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, ShanghaiChina
| | - Ling-Chuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, JinanChina
| | - Khalid Rahmand
- Faculty of Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Guo-Ping Wang
- Xinjiang Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiao-Jin Li
- Xinjiang Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Urumqi, China
| | - Ting Han
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, ShanghaiChina
| | - Na-Ni Wang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, ShanghaiChina
| | - Hai-Liang Xin
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, ShanghaiChina
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7
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Xu Y, Wei L, Tang S, Shi Q, Wu B, Yang X, Zou Y, Wang X, Ao Q, Meng L, Wei X, Zhang N, Li Y, Lan C, Chen M, Li X, Lu C. Regulation PP2Ac methylation ameliorating autophagy dysfunction caused by Mn is associated with mTORC1/ULK1 pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 156:112441. [PMID: 34363881 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) exposure leads to autophagy dysfunction and causes neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanism of neurotoxicity of Mn has been less clear. The methylation of the protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit determines the dephosphorylation activity of protein phosphatase and plays an important role in autophagy regulation. In this investigation, we established a model of Mn (0-2000 μmol/L) exposure to N2a cells for 12 h, used the PPME-1 inhibitor ABL-127, and constructed an LCMT1-overexpressing N2a cell line. We also regulated the PP2Ac methylation level and explored the effect of PP2Ac methylation on Mn-induced (0-1000 μmol/L) N2a cellular autophagy. Our results showed that Mn > 500 μmol/L induced N2a cell damage and increased oxidative stress. Moreover, Mn modulated autophagy in N2a cells by downregulating PP2Ac methylation, which regulated mTORC1 signaling pathway activation. Both ABL-127 and LCMT1 overexpression can upregulate PP2Ac methylation in parallel with ameliorating N2a cell abnormal autophagy induced by Mn, Briefly, the upregulation of PP2Ac methylation can ameliorate the autophagy disorder of N2a by Mn and effectively alleviate Mn-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, indicating that regulation of autophagy is a protective strategy against Mn-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilu Xu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Lancheng Wei
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Shen Tang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China; Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Preclinical Medicine, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Qianqian Shi
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Bin Wu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yunfeng Zou
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xinhang Wang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China; Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Preclinical Medicine, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Qingqing Ao
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Ling Meng
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xuejing Wei
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yunqing Li
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Chunhua Lan
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Muting Chen
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiyi Li
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Cailing Lu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
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Long QH, Wu YG, He LL, Ding L, Tan AH, Shi HY, Wang P. Suan-Zao-Ren Decoction ameliorates synaptic plasticity through inhibition of the Aβ deposition and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in AD model of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Chin Med 2021; 16:14. [PMID: 33478552 PMCID: PMC7818567 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Suan-Zao-Ren Decoction (SZRD) has been widely used to treat neurological illnesses, including dementia, insomnia and depression. However, the mechanisms underlying SZRD’s improvement in cognitive function remain unclear. In this study, we examined SZRD’s effect on APP/PS1 transgenic mice and mechanisms associated with SZRD’s action in alleviating neuroinflammation and improving synaptic plasticity. Methods
The APP/PS1 mice were treated with different dosages of SZRD (12.96 and 25.92 g/kg/day, in L-SZRD and H-SZRD groups, respectively) for 4 weeks. Morris water maze was conducted to determine changes in behaviors of the mice after the treatment. Meanwhile, in the samples of the hippocampus, Nissl staining and Golgi-Cox staining were used to detect synaptic plasticity. ELISA was applied to assess the expression levels of Aβ1−40 and Aβ1−42 in the hippocampus of mice. Western blot (WB) was employed to test the protein expression level of Aβ1−42, APP, ADAM10, BACE1, PS1, IDE, IBA1, GFAP, PSD95 and SYN, as well as the expressions of JAK2, STAT3 and their phosphorylation patterns to detect the involvement of JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Besides, we examined the serum and hippocampal contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α through ELISA. Results Compared to the APP/PS1 mice without any treatment, SZRD, especially the L-SZRD, significantly ameliorated cognitive impairment of the APP/PS1 mice with decreases in the loss of neurons and Aβ plaque deposition as well as improvement of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Also, SZRD, in particular, the L-SZRD markedly inhibited the serum and hippocampal concentrations of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α, while reducing the expression of p-JAK2-Tyr1007 and p-STAT3-Tyr705 in the hippocampus of the APP/PS1 mice (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions The SZRD, especially the L-SZRD, may improve the cognitive impairment and ameliorate the neural degeneration in APP/PS1 transgenic mice through inhibiting Aβ accumulation and neuroinflammation via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hua Long
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, Hubei, China
| | - Yong-Gui Wu
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Ling He
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, Hubei, China
| | - Li Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, Hubei, China
| | - Ai-Hua Tan
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, Hubei, China
| | - He-Yuan Shi
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, Hubei, China.
| | - Ping Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, Hubei, China.
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9
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Zhang W, Feng C, Jiang H. Novel target for treating Alzheimer's Diseases: Crosstalk between the Nrf2 pathway and autophagy. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 65:101207. [PMID: 33144123 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway (henceforth, "the Nrf2 pathway") and autophagy are major intracellular defence systems that combat oxidative damage and maintain homeostasis. p62/SQSTM1, a ubiquitin-binding autophagy receptor protein, links the Nrf2 pathway and autophagy. Phosphorylation of p62 dramatically enhances its affinity for Keap1, which induces Keap1 to release Nrf2, and the p62-Keap1 heterodimer recruits LC3 and mediates the permanent degradation of Keap1 in the selective autophagy pathway. Eventually, Nrf2 accumulates in the cytoplasm and then translocates into the nucleus to activate the transcription of downstream genes that encode antioxidant enzymes, which protect cells from oxidative damage. Since Nrf2 also upregulates the expression of the p62 gene, a p62-Keap1-Nrf2 positive feedback loop is created that further enhances the protective effect on cells. Studies have shown that the p62-activated noncanonical Nrf2 pathway is an important marker of neurodegenerative diseases. The p62-Keap1-Nrf2 positive feedback loop and the Nrf2 pathway are involved in eliminating the ROS and protein aggregates induced by AD. Therefore, maintaining the homeostasis of the p62-Keap1-Nrf2 positive feedback loop, which is a bridge between the Nrf2 pathway and autophagy, may be a potential target for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Feng
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Health Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang T, Pan L, Cao Y, Liu N, Wei W, Li H. Identifying the Mechanisms and Molecular Targets of Yizhiqingxin Formula on Alzheimer's Disease: Coupling Network Pharmacology with GEO Database. PHARMACOGENOMICS & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE 2020; 13:487-502. [PMID: 33116763 PMCID: PMC7571582 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s269726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Yizhiqingxin formula (YZQX) is a promising formula for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with significant clinical effects. Here, we coupled a network pharmacology approach with the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to illustrate comprehensive mechanisms and screen for molecular targets of YZQX for AD treatment. Methods First, active ingredients of YZQX were screened for the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) parameters. Subsequently, putative targets of active ingredients were predicted using the DrugBank database. AD-related targets were retrieved by analyzing published microarray data (accession number GSE5281). Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks of YZQX putative targets and AD-related targets were constructed visually and merged to identify candidate targets for YZQX against AD using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. We performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis to further clarify the biological functions of the candidate targets. The gene-pathway network was established to filter for key target genes. Results Forty-three active ingredients were identified, and 193 putative target genes were predicted. Seven hundred and ten targets related to AD were screened with |log2 FC| > 1 and P < 0.05. Based on the PPI network, 110 target genes of YZQX against AD were identified. Moreover, 32 related pathways including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, apoptosis and the NF-kappa B signaling pathway were significantly enriched. In the gene-pathway network, MAPK1, AKT1, TP53, MDM2, EGFR, RELA, SRC, GRB2, CUL1, and MYC targets are putative core genes for YZQX in AD treatment. Conclusion YZQX against AD may exert its neuroprotective effect via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. YZQX may be a promising drug that can be used in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, ShanDong Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Geratology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Pan
- Department of Chinese Medicine Literature and Culture, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Cao
- Geriatric Laboratory, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nanyang Liu
- Department of Geratology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wei
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, ShanDong Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Geratology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Geratology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Ma L, Cao Y, Wang F, Li Z, Wang Z, Yang Y, Pei H, Li H. Yizhi Qingxin Formula Extract Ameliorates Cognitive Decline in Aged Rats via the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase B Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:510. [PMID: 32425777 PMCID: PMC7203446 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment and decline in old age are primarily driven by the accumulation of age-related neuropathologies, and old age is thus the primary risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Here, we investigated the effects of Yizhi Qingxin formula (YQF) extract on cognitive impairment in aged rats and determine the role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) pathway underlying the neuroprotective effects of the YQF extract. Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control group, Model group, Donepezil group, and YQF extract groups (treatment with YQF extract at two different doses). After treatment with YQF extract for 8 weeks, learning and cognitive abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze. Morphological changes in the hippocampus were observed using hematoxylin-eosin. Activated microglia and astrocytes were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Expressions of proteins and genes were examined using western blotting and real-time PCR. The results revealed that oral treatment with YQF extract dramatically improved spatial learning and memory ability and ameliorated histopathological and morphological characteristics in aged rats. YQF extract significantly increased acetylcholine and interleukin (IL)-10 levels but markedly decreased amyloid-β peptide, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), IL-2, and IL-6 levels. In addition, it inhibited the excessive activation of microglia and astrocytes, downregulated the expressions of TNFα and IL-2, and upregulated nerve growth factor, BDNF, and TrkB expressions. Furthermore, hippocampal extracellular signal-related kinase (Erk) and protein kinase B (Akt), the upstream signaling of BDNF/TrkB, were also activated by treatment with YQF extract. Our findings indicate that YQF extract activates the BDNF/TrkB pathway through the upregulation of Erk and Akt signaling, and the activated signaling pathway might contribute to the protective effects of YQF extract on cognitive impairment in aged rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Ma
- Geriatric Department, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Geriatric Department, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feixue Wang
- Geriatric Department, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zehui Li
- Geriatric Department, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- Geriatric Department, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Geriatric Department, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Pei
- Geriatric Department, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Geriatric Department, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Li,
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Preventive Electroacupuncture Ameliorates D-Galactose-Induced Alzheimer's Disease-Like Pathology and Memory Deficits Probably via Inhibition of GSK3 β/mTOR Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:1428752. [PMID: 32382276 PMCID: PMC7195631 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1428752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been practiced to treat neuropsychiatric disorders for a thousand years in China. Prevention of disease by acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, guided by the theory of Chinese acupuncture, gradually draws growing attention nowadays and has been investigated in the role of the prevention and treatment of mental disorders such as AD. Despite its well-documented efficacy, its biological action remains greatly invalidated. Here, we sought to observe whether preventive electroacupuncture during the aging process could alleviate learning and memory deficits in D-galactose-induced aged rats. We found that preventive electroacupuncture at GV20-BL23 acupoints during aging attenuated the hippocampal loss of dendritic spines, ameliorated neuronal microtubule injuries, and increased the expressions of postsynaptic PSD95 and presynaptic SYN, two important synapse-associated proteins involved in synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, we observed an inhibition of GSK3β/mTOR pathway activity accompanied by a decrease in tau phosphorylation level and prompted autophagy activity induced by preventive electroacupuncture. Our results suggested that preventive electroacupuncture can prevent and alleviate memory deficits and ameliorate synapse and neuronal microtubule damage in aging rats, which was probably via the inhibition of GSK3β/mTOR signaling pathway. It may provide new insights for the identification of prevention strategies of AD.
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