2-Phenylacetamide Isolated from the Seeds of Lepidium apetalum and Its Estrogen-Like Effects In Vitro and In Vivo

MiR-196a-5p facilitates progression of estrogen-dependent endometrial cancer by regulating FOXO1

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Estrogen-dependent endometrial cancer mainly occurs in younger pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women and threatens their health. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been considered as novel targets in endometrial cancer treatment. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of miRNA (miR)-196a-5p in estrogen-dependent endometrial cancer.

METHODS

17β-estradiol (E2; 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 nM) was used to treat RL95-2, HEC-1B and ECC-1 cells followed by cell viability assessment using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The level of miR-196a-5p was measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). We then transfected miR-196a-5p mimic/inhibitor and Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) small interfering RNA (siRNA) into E2-treated cells. Apoptotic cells were measured by flow cytometry. Wound healing and Transwell assays were implemented to assess migration and invasion. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays were applied to confirm the interaction between miR-196a-5p and FOXO1. Immunoblotting determined the levels of FOXO1, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase 3.

RESULTS

E2 promoted cell viability and miR-196a-5p expression in RL95-2 and ECC-1 cells. miR-196a-5p mimic enhanced cell viability, migration and invasion but suppressed apoptosis and FOXO1, whilst miR-196a-5p inhibitor blocked these processes. In addition, miR-196a-5p upregulated Bcl-2, but down regulated Bax and Caspase 3 expression, an effect that was reversed by miR-196a-5p inhibitor. We determined that miR-196a-5p targeted FOXO1, and that si-FOXO1 blocked the effects of miR-196a-5p inhibitor on viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion of E2-treated RL95-2 and ECC-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications for miR-196a-5p and its FOXO1 target in patients suffering from estrogen-dependent endometrial cancer.

Two new flavonoid thioglucosides from the seeds of Lepidium apetalum

Two previously undescribed flavonoid thioglucosides lepidiumflavonosides A and B (1-2) and two known megastigmane compounds (7E,9S)-9-hydroxy-5,7-megastigmadien-4-one 9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3) and (9S)-4-oxo-β-inol β-D-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated from the water extract of the seeds of Lepidium apetalum Willd. The structural elucidation of isolated compounds was unambiguously determined based on extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. All compounds were evaluated for their estrogen-like effects on MCF-7 cells in vitro. The results showed that compounds 1-4 significantly promoted the proliferation of MCF-7 cells, and the proliferation was antagonized by the specific ER antagonist ICI182,780, suggesting that compounds 1-4 might have the estrogen-like effect in vitro potentially.

Comparison of In Vitro Estrogenic Activity of Polygoni multiflori Radix and Cynanchi wilfordii Radix via the Enhancement of ERα/β Expression in MCF7 Cells

Postmenopausal women experience several symptoms, including inflammation and a sharp rise in oxidative stress caused by estrogen deprivation. Although estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is generally regarded as an effective treatment for menopause, it has been used less frequently due to some adverse effects and high costs. Therefore, there is an immediate need to develop an effective herbal-based treatment that is affordable for low-income populations. Acordingly, this study explored the estrogen-like properties of methanol extracts from Cynanchum wilfordii (CW) and Poligonum multiflorum (PM), two important medicinal plants in Republic of Korea, Japan, and China. Due to the similar names and morphologies of these two radixes, they are frequently confused in the marketplace. Our previous colleagues discriminated between these two plants. In this study, we investigated the estrogenic activity of PM and CW using several in vitro assays with their possible mechanism of action. First, their phytochemical contents, such as gallic acid, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-glucoside (TSG) and emodin, were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Secondly, estrogen-like activity was assessed utilizing the well-known E-screen test and gene expression analysis in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF7 cells. ROS inhibition and anti-inflammatory effects were analyzed using HaCaT and Raw 264.7 cells, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that PM extracts significantly increased the expression of the estrogen-dependent genes (ERα, ERβ, pS2) and boosted MCF7 cell proliferation in comparison to CW extracts. Additionally, PM extract demonstrated a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as an enhanced antioxidant profile compared to the CW extract. Further, the PM extract treatment significantly reduced the generation of nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory properties of the extract. Finally, this research offers an experimental foundation for the use of PM as a phytoestrogen to minimize menopausal symptoms.

Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits breast cancer cell growth via ERβ-TNFα pathway

Ginsenoside Rh2 is one of rare panaxidiols extracted from Panax ginseng and a potential estrogen receptor ligand that exhibits moderate estrogenic activity. However, the effect of Rh2 on growth inhibition and its underlying molecular mechanism in human breast cells are not fully understood. In this study, we tested cell viability by MTT and colony formation assays. Cell growth and cell cycle were determined to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rh2 by flow cytometry. The expressions of estrogen receptors (ERs), TNFα, and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by qPCR and western blot analysis. The mechanisms of ERα and ERβ action were determined using transfection and inhibitors. Antitumor effect of ginsenoside Rh2 against MCF-7 cells was investigated in xenograft mice. Our results showed that ginsenoside Rh2 induced apoptosis and G1/S phase arrest in MCF-7 cells. Treatment of cells with ginsenoside Rh2 down-regulated protein levels of ERα, and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ERβ and TNFα. We also found that ginsenoside Rh2-induced TNFα over-expression is through up-regulation of ERβ initiated by ginsenoside Rh2. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rh2 induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis via estrogen receptor β-TNFα pathway in vivo. These results demonstrate that ginsenoside Rh2 promotes TNFα-induced apoptosis and G1/S phase arrest via regulation of ERβ.

Metabolities from Marine Sponges of the Genus Callyspongia: Occurrence, Biological Activity, and NMR Data

The genus Callyspongia (Callyspongiidae) encompasses a group of demosponges including 261 described species, of which approximately 180 have been accepted after taxonomic reviews. The marine organisms of Callyspongia are distributed in tropical ecosystems, especially in the central and western Pacific, but also in the regions of the Indian, the West Atlantic, and the East Pacific Oceans. The reason for the interest in the genus Callyspongia is related to its potential production of bioactive compounds. In this review, we group the chemical information about the metabolites isolated from the genus Callyspongia, as well as studies of the biological activity of these compounds. Through NMR data, 212 metabolites were identified from genus Callyspongia (15 species and Callyspongia sp.), belonging to classes such as polyacetylenes, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, polyketides, simple phenols, phenylpropanoids, nucleosides, cyclic peptides, and cyclic depsipeptides. A total of 109 molecules have been reported with bioactive activity, mainly cytotoxic and antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) action. Thus, we conclude that polyacetylenes, terpenoids and steroids correspond to the largest classes of compounds of the genus, and that future research involving the anticancer action of the species' bioactive metabolites may become relevant.

An Effective Treatment of Perimenopausal Syndrome by Combining Two Traditional Prescriptions of Chinese Botanical Drugs

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Two types of traditional Chinese formulas of botanical drugs are prescribed for treating perimenopausal syndrome (PMS), a disorder in middle-aged women during their transition to menopause. One is for treating PMS as kidney deficiency (KD) due to senescence and declining reproductive functions, and the other is for treating it as liver qi stagnation (LQS) in association with stress and anxiety. Despite the time-tested prescriptions, an objective attestation to the effectiveness of the traditional Chinese treatment of PMS is still to be established and the associated molecular mechanism is still to be investigated.

Materials and methods: A model for PMS was generated from perimenopausal rats with chronic restraint stress (CRS). The effectiveness of traditional Chinese formulas of botanical drugs and a combination of two of the formulas was evaluated based on ¹H NMR plasma metabolomic, as well as behavioral and physiological, indicators. To investigate whether the formulas contained ligands that could compensate for the declining level of estrogen, the primary cause of PMS, the ligand-based NMR technique of saturation transfer difference (STD) was employed to detect possible interacting molecules to estrogen receptors in the decoction.

Results: Each prescription of the classical Chinese formula moderately attenuated the metabolomic state of the disease model. The best treatment strategy however was to combine two traditional Chinese formulas, each for a different etiology, to adjust the metabolomic state of the disease model to that of rats at a much younger age. In addition, this attenuation of the metabolomics of the disease model was by neither upregulating the estrogen level nor supplementing an estrogenic compound.

Conclusion: Treatment of PMS with a traditional Chinese formula of botanical drugs targeting one of the two causes separately could ameliorate the disorder moderately. However, the best outcome was to treat the two causes simultaneously with a decoction that combined ingredients from two traditional prescriptions. The data also implicated a new paradigm for phytotherapy of PMS as the prescribed decoctions contained no interacting compound to modulate the activity of estrogen receptors, in contrast to the treatment strategy of hormone replacement therapy.

Cemented hemiarthroplasty versus proximal femoral nail antirotation in the management of intertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly: a case control study

Background

The treatment for intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFF) among the elderly has been a controversial topic. Hemiarthroplasty (HA) and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) have their own advantages in the management of IFF. Hence, this study aims to compare and analyze differences in the effectiveness of both procedures on IFF among the elderly.

Methods

Overall, 99 patients (81.09 ± 8.29 years; 68 women) underwent HA or PFNA from January 2016 to May 2020. IFF were classified according to the Arbeitsgemeins für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification. The difference in underlying diseases, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, Singh index, Harris scores, surgical time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative blood test results, postoperative number of days to partially bearing weight, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Postoperative follow-ups were performed every 3 months.

Results

There was no significant difference in the AO classification, underlying diseases, ASA grade, Singh index, surgical time, and survival outcomes of the HA (45 patients) group and PFNA group (54 patients). The HA group was associated with earlier partial weight-bearing (HA: 4 [2 ~ 4.5] days, PFNA: 10 [8~14] days). It also had a higher total Harris score than the PFNA group at the 6-month follow-up visit (HA: 86.8 [81.90 ~ 90.23], PFNA: 83.48 [75.13 ~ 88.23]). Harris scores decreased more in patients aged ≥90 years in the PFNA group than in the HA group. The postoperative stress recovery rate in the HA group was faster based on postoperative blood test results.

Conclusions

PFNA and HA have good therapeutic effects in the treatment of IFF. The advantages of HA were reflected in short-term weight bearing, faster recovery from stress, and better joint function in the long term. This advantage is more obvious in the patient population aged over 90 years. Therefore, we suggest that surgeons should consider the benefit of HA in the treatment of IFF among the elderly.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000035814. Registered 17 August 2020, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=57083

A review of the functions of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 in vascular and neurological aging

Aging-related diseases, especially vascular and neurological disorders cause huge economic burden. How to delay vascular and neurological aging is one of the insurmountable questions. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) has been extensively investigated in recent years due to its multiple biological responses. In this review, the function of GPER in aging-related diseases represented by vascular diseases, and neurological disorders were discussed. Apart from that, activation of GPER was also found to renovate the aging brain characterized by memory decline, but in a manner different from another two nuclear estrogen receptors estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ. This salutary effect would be better clarified from the aspects of synaptic inputs and transmission. Furthermore, we carefully described molecular mechanisms underpinning GPER-mediated effects. This review would update our understanding of GPER in the aging process. Targeting GPER may represent a promising strategy in the aging-related disorders.

Crosstalk between the muscular estrogen receptor α and BDNF/TrkB signaling alleviates metabolic syndrome via 7,8-dihydroxyflavone in female mice

Objective

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a small molecular mimetic of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), alleviates high-fat diet-induced obesity in female mice in a sex-specific manner by activating muscular tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB). However, the underlying molecular mechanism for this sex difference is unknown. Moreover, muscular estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a critical role in metabolic diseases. Impaired ERα action is often accompanied by metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women. This study investigated whether muscular ERα is involved in the metabolic effects of 7,8-DHF.

Methods

For the in vivo studies, 72 female C57BL/6J mice were given a low-fat diet or high-fat diet, and both received daily intragastric administration of vehicle or 7,8-DHF for 24 weeks. The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis function was assessed by investigating typical sex-related serum hormones and the ovarian reserve. Indicators of menopausal MetS, including lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, bone density, and serum inflammatory cytokines, were also evaluated. The expression levels of ERα and other relevant signaling molecules were also examined. In vitro, the molecular mechanism involved in the interplay of ERα and TrkB receptors was verified in differentiated C2C12 myotubes using several inhibitors and a lentivirus short hairpin RNA-knockdown strategy.

Results

Long-term oral administration of 7,8-DHF acted as a protective factor for the female HPO axis function, protecting against ovarian failure, earlier menopause, and sex hormone disorders, which was paralleled by the alleviation of MetS coupled with the production of ERα-rich, TrkB-activated, and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) high thermogenic skeletal muscle tissues. 7,8-DHF-stimulated transactivation of ERα at serine 118 (S118) and tyrosine 537 (Y537), which was crucial to activate the BDNF/TrkB signaling cascades. In turn, activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling was also required for the ligand-independent activation of ERα, especially at the Y537 phosphorylation site. In addition, Src family kinases played a core role in the interplay of ERα and TrkB, synergistically activating the signaling pathways related to energy metabolism.

Conclusions

These findings revealed a novel role of 7,8-DHF in protecting the function of the female HPO axis and activating tissue-specific ERα, which improves our understanding of this sex difference in 7,8-DHF-mediated maintenance of metabolic homeostasis and provides new therapeutic strategies for managing MetS in women.

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7,8-DHF improves hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function in mature adult female mice.

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7,8-DHF protects against ovarian failure and onset of earlier menopause.

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7,8-DHF-induced transactivation of ERα is crucial to activate BDNF/TrkB signaling cascades.

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7,8-DHF-induced activations of ERα and BDNF/TrkB signaling are interdependent.

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Src family kinases play a core role in the crosstalk of ERα and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways.

Acacetin improves endothelial dysfunction and aortic fibrosis in insulin-resistant SHR rats by estrogen receptors

The aim of the work was to investigate the effects of acacetin on endothelial dysfunction and aortic fibrosis in insulin-resistant SHR rats and explore its mechanism. Seven-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were selected to establish a rat model of hypertension with insulin resistance induced by 10% fructose. The nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) and Collagen I were observed by Immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence was used to observe estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor-beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30). Western blotting was used to detect interleukin (IL-1β), Arginase 2 (ARG2), Nostrin, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), TGF-β, Smad3, ERK pathway proteins such as p-c-Raf, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK, ERK, p-P90RSK and p-MSK1. We found that acacetin did have an improvement on endothelial dysfunction and fibrosis. Meanwhile, it was also found to have a significant effect on the level of estrogen in this model by accident. Then, the experiment of uterine weight gain in mice confirmed that acacetin had a certain estrogen-like effect in vivo and played its role through the estrogen receptors pathway. In vitro experience HUVEC cells were stimulated with 30 mM/L glucose and 100 mM/L NaCl for 24 h to establish the endothelial cell injury model. HUVEC cells were treated with 1 μM/L estrogen receptors antagonist (ICI 182780) for 30 min before administration. Cell experiments showed that acacetin could reduce the apoptosis of HUVEC cells, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and the expression of TGF-β, Collagen I and Smad3 in endothelial cell injury model. After treatment with ICI 182780, the improvement of acacetin was significantly reversed. The results showed that acacetin relieved endothelial dysfunction and reduced the aortic fibrosis in insulin-resistant SHR rats by reducing the release of inflammatory factors and improving vasodilatory function through estrogen signaling pathway.

The protective effect and mechanism of catalpol on high glucose-induced podocyte injury

BACKGROUND

Catalpol, a natural iridoid glycoside in Rehmannia glutinosa, can alleviate proteinuria associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN), however, whether catalpol has a protective effect against podocyte injury in DN remains unclear.

METHODS

In this study, we used a high glucose (HG)-induced podocyte injury model to evaluate the protective effect and mechanism of catalpol against HG-induced podocyte injury. Cell viability was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by commercial assay kits. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by using flow cytometry. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl2-associated x (Bax), cleaved caspase-3, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase enzyme 4 (NOX4), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha (IκBα) and phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα) were measured by western blotting. In addition, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels were determined by immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Catalpol significantly increased cell viability and decreased LDH release in HG-induced podocyte injury. Catalpol significantly decreased ROS generation, apoptosis, level of MDA, levels of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and increased SOD activity in HG-induced podocyte injury. Moreover, catalpol significantly decreased expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, NOX4, TLR4, MyD88, p-p38 MAPK, p-IκBα and NF-κB nuclear translocation, as well as increased Bcl-2 expression in HG-induced podocyte injury.

CONCLUSION

Catalpol can protect against podocyte injury by ameliorating apoptosis and inflammation. These protective effects may be attributed to the inhibition of NOX4, which alleviates ROS generation and suppression of the TLR4/MyD88 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways to prevent NF-κB activation. Therefore, catalpol could be a promising drug for the prevention of DN.

Antitumor, Antiviral, and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Essential Oils from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. Produced with Different Processing Methods

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. has been used as an invigorating spleen drug for eliminating dampness and phlegm in China. According to recent researches, different processing methods may affect the drug efficacy, so we collected A. macrocephala from the Zhejiang Province, produced with different processing methods, crude A. macrocephala (CA) and bran-processed A. macrocephala (BA), then analyzed its essential oils (EOs) by GC/MS. The results showed 34 components representing 98.44% of the total EOs of CA were identified, and 46 components representing 98.02% of the total EOs of BA were identified. Atractylone is the main component in A. macrocephala. Compared with CA, BA has 46 detected compounds, 28 of which were identical, and 6 undetected compounds. Pharmacodynamic results revealed that the EOs of CA and atractylone exhibited more effective anticancer activity in HepG2, MCG803, and HCT-116 cells than the EOs of BA; while the EOs of BA exhibited simple antiviral effect on viruses H3N2, both the EOs and atractylone show anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in ANA-1 cells.