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Wang Y, Song X, Xia Y, Zhang W, Li W, Wang Y, Li J, Geng Z, Zhang X, Wang L, Zuo L, Hu J. Complanatuside A ameliorates 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in mice by regulating the Th17/Treg balance via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23667. [PMID: 38742812 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301127rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunity imbalance of T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells is involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). Complanatuside A (CA), a flavonol glycoside, exerts anti-inflammatory activities and our study aimed to identify its effect on TNBS-induced colitis and the possible mechanisms. We found that CA alleviated the symptoms of colitis in TNBS mice, as demonstrated by prevented weight loss and colon length shortening, as well as decreased disease activity index scores, inflammatory scores, and levels of proinflammatory factors. Flow cytometry analysis showed that CA markedly reduced the percentage of Th17 cells while increasing the percentage of Treg cells in TNBS mice. Under Th17 cell polarizing conditions, CA inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells while the Treg cell differentiation was elevated under Treg cell polarizing conditions. Furthermore, it was observed that JAK2 interacted with CA through six hydrogen bonds via molecular docking. The phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 was reduced by CA, which might be correlated with the protective effect of CA on colitis. In conclusion, CA reduced the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in TNBS-induced colitis, which may provide novel strategies for CD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyue Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xue Song
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Department of Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yongsheng Xia
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Zhijun Geng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Department of Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Department of Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Lugen Zuo
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jianguo Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-Related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
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Yu X, Tao J, Xiao T, Duan X. 4,4'-methylenediphenol reduces Aβ-induced toxicity in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1393721. [PMID: 38872629 PMCID: PMC11171718 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1393721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gastrodia elata Blume is a widely used medicinal and edible herb with a rich chemical composition. Moreover, prescriptions containing Gastrodia elata are commonly used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and aging-related diseases. Recent pharmacological studies have confirmed the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of Gastrodia elata, and, in recent years, this herb has also been used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. We have previously shown that 4,4'-methylenediphenol, a key active ingredient of Gastrodia elata, can mitigate amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced paralysis in AD model worms as well as prolong the lifespan of the animals, thus displaying potential as a treatment of AD. Methods We investigated the effects of 4,4'-methylenediphenol on AD and aging through paralysis, lifespan, and behavioral assays. In addition, we determined the anti-AD effects of 4,4'-methylenediphenol by reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, lipofuscin analysis, thioflavin S staining, metabolomics analysis, GFP reporter gene worm assay, and RNA interference assay and conducted in-depth studies on its mechanism of action. Results 4,4'-Methylenediphenol not only delayed paralysis onset and senescence in the AD model worms but also enhanced their motility and stress tolerance. Meanwhile, 4,4'-methylenediphenol treatment also reduced the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipofuscin, and decreased Aβ protein deposition in the worms. Broad-spectrum targeted metabolomic analysis showed that 4,4'-methylenediphenol administration had a positive effect on the metabolite profile of the worms. In addition, 4,4'-methylenediphenol promoted the nuclear translocation of DAF-16 and upregulated the expression of SKN-1, SOD-3, and GST-4 in the respective GFP reporter lines, accompanied by an enhancement of antioxidant activity and a reduction in Aβ toxicity; importantly, our results suggested that these effects of 4,4'-methylenediphenol were mediated, at least partly, via the activation of DAF-16. Conclusion We have demonstrated that 4,4'-methylenediphenol can reduce Aβ-induced toxicity in AD model worms, suggesting that it has potential for development as an anti-AD drug. Our findings provide ideas and references for further research into the anti-AD effects of Gastrodia elata and its active ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaohua Duan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Dai and Yi Medicines, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Yu X, Tao J, Xiao T, Duan X. P-hydroxybenzaldehyde protects Caenorhabditis elegans from oxidative stress and β-amyloid toxicity. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1414956. [PMID: 38841104 PMCID: PMC11150654 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1414956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gastrodia elata is the dried tuber of the orchid Gastrodia elata Bl. It is considered a food consisting of a source of precious medicinal herbs, whose chemical composition is relatively rich. Gastrodia elata and its extracted fractions have been shown to have neuroprotective effects. P-hydroxybenzaldehyde (p-HBA), as one of the main active components of Gastrodia elata, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and cerebral protective effects, which has potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to verify the role of p-HBA in AD treatment and to investigate its mechanism of action in depth based using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. Methods In this study, we used paralysis, lifespan, behavioral and antistress experiments to investigate the effects of p-HBA on AD and aging. Furthermore, we performed reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, thioflavin S staining, RNA-seq analysis, qPCR validation, PCR Array, and GFP reporter gene worm experiment to determine the anti-AD effects of p-HBA, as well as in-depth studies on its mechanisms. Results p-HBA was able to delay paralysis, improve mobility and resistance to stress, and delay aging in the AD nematode model. Further mechanistic studies showed that ROS and lipofuscin levels, Aβ aggregation, and toxicity were reduced after p-HBA treatment, suggesting that p-HBA ameliorated Aβ-induced toxicity by enhancing antioxidant and anti-aging activity and inhibiting Aβ aggregation. p-HBA had a therapeutic effect on AD by improving stress resistance, as indicated by the down-regulation of NLP-29 and UCR-11 expression and up-regulation of PQN-75 and LYS-3 expression. In addition, the gene microarray showed that p-HBA treatment played a positive role in genes related to AD, anti-aging, ribosomal protein pathway, and glucose metabolism, which were collectively involved in the anti-AD mechanism of p-HBA. Finally, we also found that p-HBA promoted nuclear localization of DAF-16 and increased the expression of SKN-1, SOD-3, and GST-4, which contributed significantly to inhibition of Aβ toxicity and enhancement of antioxidative stress. Conclusion Our work suggests that p-HBA has some antioxidant and anti-aging activities. It may be a viable candidate for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaohua Duan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Dai and Yi Medicines, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Xu Y, Geng Z, Sun Y, Zhu G, Xiao L, Wang Z, Li B, Liu X, Shi J, Song X, Hu J, Qi Q. Complanatuside A improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury through inhibiting JNK signaling-mediated microglial activation. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 965:176287. [PMID: 38158110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176287] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Complanatuside A (ComA) is a flavonoid-rich compound in Astragalus membranaceus that has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. In this study, we focused on the effect of ComA on spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice and explored its possible mechanisms. METHODS The SCI model was constructed using C57BL/6J mice, and the effect of ComA on motor function recovery in SCI mice was evaluated through the BMS (Basso Mouse Scale) and footprint test. The histological effects of ComA on SCI mice were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, Luxol-fast blue (LFB) staining, and Nissl staining. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, we detected the activation of microglia and the release of inflammatory factors through molecular experiments. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting confirmed that ComA can prevent neuronal apoptosis caused by activated microglia through the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. RESULTS Our research results confirm that ComA can improve motor function in mice after SCI. Our in vitro results indicate that ComA can inhibit the activation of BV2 cells and the release of proinflammatory mediators. In addition, ComA can prevent neuronal cell apoptosis caused by activated BV2 cells. Finally, we found that ComA works through the JNK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS ComA can accelerate the restoration of motor function in mice after SCI, possibly by reducing neuronal apoptosis via inhibition of JNK-related signaling pathways, a reduction in microglial activation, and inhibition of inflammatory factor release. Our data indicate that ComA is a promising drug candidate for improving functional recovery in patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhijun Geng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China
| | - Guoqing Zhu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China
| | - Linyu Xiao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China
| | - Bohan Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China
| | - Jinran Shi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China
| | - Xue Song
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China.
| | - Jianguo Hu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, Bengbu, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China.
| | - Qi Qi
- School of Basic Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China.
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Wang S, Lin D, Cao J, Wang L. APPA Increases Lifespan and Stress Resistance via Lipid Metabolism and Insulin/IGF-1 Signal Pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13682. [PMID: 37761985 PMCID: PMC10531162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal studies have proven that 1-acetyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl acetate (APPA) is a powerful antioxidant as a novel aldose reductase inhibitor independently synthesized by our laboratory; however, there is no current information on APPA's anti-aging mechanism. Therefore, this study examined the impact and mechanism of APPA's anti-aging and anti-oxidation capacity using the Caenorhabditis elegans model. The results demonstrated that APPA increases C. elegans' longevity without affecting the typical metabolism of Escherichia coli OP50 (OP50). APPA also had a non-toxic effect on C. elegans, increased locomotor ability, decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, lipofuscin, and fat, and increased anti-stress capacity. QRT-PCR analysis further revealed that APPA upregulated the expression of antioxidant genes, including sod-3, gst-4, and hsp-16.2, and the critical downstream transcription factors, daf-16, skn-1, and hsf-1 of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor, daf-2. In addition, fat-6 and nhr-80 were upregulated. However, the APPA's life-prolonging effects were absent on the daf-2, daf-16, skn-1, and hsf-1 mutants implying that the APPA's life-prolonging mechanism depends on the insulin/IGF-1 signaling system. The transcriptome sequencing also revealed that the mitochondrial route was also strongly associated with the APPA life extension, consistent with mev-1 and isp-1 mutant life assays. These findings aid in the investigation of APPA's longevity extension mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Liping Wang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China; (S.W.); (D.L.); (J.C.)
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Sidiropoulou GA, Metaxas A, Kourti M. Natural antioxidants that act against Alzheimer's disease through modulation of the NRF2 pathway: a focus on their molecular mechanisms of action. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1217730. [PMID: 37465125 PMCID: PMC10351420 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1217730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterized by a complex pathophysiology that includes the intraneuronal formation of neurofibrillary tangles and the extracellular deposition of β-amyloid plaques, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a terminal neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia in older adults. Oxidative stress in the brain is considered as one of the contributing factors to the pathogenesis of AD, and thus, antioxidants have attracted much interest as potential therapeutic agents against the disorder. Natural antioxidants are typically characterized by low acute and chronic toxicity, which facilitates their potential therapeutic application. One important molecular target for the beneficial effects of natural antioxidants is the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/NRF2). NRF2 is a key transcription factor that orchestrates the cellular antioxidant response through regulating the expression of oxidative stress-related genes harboring the antioxidant response element (ARE) in their promoters. Indeed, in the case of excessive oxidative damage, NRF2 migrates to the nucleus and binds to ARE, activating the transcription of antioxidant protector genes. There is increasing evidence that NRF2 is implicated in AD pathology through dysfunction and altered localization, which renders it as a potential therapeutic target for AD. Thus, this review summarizes the most recent (2018-2023) advances on the NRF2-modulating activity of natural antioxidants observed in vitro and in AD animal models. This information will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing the antioxidant activity of such phytochemicals to highlight their therapeutic potential against common neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grammatiki Alexandra Sidiropoulou
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Drug Discovery Group, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Centre, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Athanasios Metaxas
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Malamati Kourti
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Drug Discovery Group, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Centre, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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