Diosgenin inhibits angiotensin II-induced extracellular matrix remodeling in cardiac fibroblasts through regulating the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway

Diosgenin Ameliorates Cardiac Function following Myocardial Ischemia Through Angiogenic and Anti-Fibrotic Properties; An Experimental Study

Introduction

Angiogenesis through restoration of blood supply to the ischemic myocardium is a pivotal process that contributes to cardiac repair and leads to improvement of myocardial function. This study was conducted to evaluate cardioprotective effects of Diosgenin against myocardial infarction (MI) with focus on angiogenesis, myocardial fibrosis, and oxidative stress.

Methods

4 groups of male Wistar rats were considered for this study: (1) sham, (2) MI, (3) MI+Vehicle and (4) MI+Diosgenin. MI model was created by occluding left anterior descending (LAD) artery for 30 minutes and reperfusion was established for 14 days by opening this artery. Diosgenin (50 mg/kg) was given orally to the rats for 21 days (from 7 days before MI induction until the end of the 14-day reperfusion period). Cardiac injury markers including troponin I, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), same as cardiac stress oxidative markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH)). Echocardiography was used to measure heart function parameters and myocardial fibrosis was assessed via a specific tissue staining named Masson׳s trichrome. Blood vessel staining kit was used to assess left ventricular angiogenesis.

Results

Ischemia-reperfusion injury increased serum levels of troponin I, CK-MB and LDH, as well as cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA) and myocardial fibrosis. MI also decreased myocardial function (Ejection fraction (EF)% and Fractional shortening (FS)%) and Diosgenin treatment reversed these parameters. Capillary density as marker of angiogenesis significantly increased in all of MI groups. However, development of angiogenesis was significantly higher in Diosgenin group compared with MI group.

Conclusion

Diosgenin exerts cardioprotective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury by strengthening cardiac antioxidant defense and reducing deposition of collagen fibers. It seems that the strengthening of angiogenesis in heart tissue is one of the main mechanisms of Diosgenin to increase the heart's resistance against ischemia.

Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO)ylation of SIRT1 mediates (-)-epicatechin inhibited- differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts

CONTEXT

(-)-Epicatechin (EPI) is a crucial substance involved in the protective effects of flavanol-rich foods. Previous studies have indicated EPI has a cardioprotective effect, but the molecular mechanisms in inhibition of cardiac fibrosis are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the effect of EPI in preventing cardiac fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanism related to the SIRT1-SUMO1/AKT/GSK3β pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cardiac fibrosis mice model was established with transaortic constriction (TAC). Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly separated into 4 groups. Mice received 1 mg/kg/day of EPI or vehicle orally for 4 weeks. The acutely isolated cardiac fibroblasts were induced to myofibroblasts with 1 µM angiotensin II (Ang II). The cardiac function was measured with the ultrasonic instrument. Histological analysis of mice's hearts was determined with H&E or Masson method. The protein level of fibrosis markers, SUMOylation of SIRT1, and AKT/GSK3β pathway were quantified by immunofluorescence and western blot.

RESULTS

EPI treatment (1 mg/kg/day) could reverse the TAC-induced decline in LVEF (TAC, 61.28% ± 1.33% vs. TAC + EPI, 74.00% ± 1.64%), LVFS (TAC, 28.16% ± 0.89% vs. TAC + EPI, 37.18% ± 1.29%). Meantime, we found that 10 µM EPI blocks Ang II-induced transformation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. The underlying mechanism of EPI-inhibited myofibroblasts transformation involves activation of SUMOylation of SIRT1 through SP1. Furthermore, SUMOylation of SIRT1 inhibited Ang II-induced fibrogenic effect via the AKT/GSK3β pathway.

CONCLUSION

EPI plays a protective effect on cardiac fibrosis by regulating the SUMO1-dependent modulation of SIRT1, which provides a theoretical basis for use in clinical therapies.

Diosgenin: An Updated Pharmacological Review and Therapeutic Perspectives

Plants including Rhizoma polgonati , Smilax china , and Trigonella foenum-graecum contain a lot of diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin. This bioactive phytochemical has shown high potential and interest in the treatment of various disorders such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and cardiovascular disease, in addition to being an important starting material for the preparation of several steroidal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. This review aims to provide an overview of the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reporting the diosgenin's pharmacological effects and to discuss the safety issues. Preclinical studies have shown promising effects on cancer, neuroprotection, atherosclerosis, asthma, bone health, and other pathologies. Clinical investigations have demonstrated diosgenin's nontoxic nature and promising benefits on cognitive function and menopause. However, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to address the other effects seen in preclinical studies, as well as a better knowledge of the diosgenin's safety profile.

Diosgenin inhibits the proliferation of gastric cancer cells via inducing mesoderm posterior 1 down-regulation-mediated alternative reading frame expression

INTRODUCTION

Whether and how mesoderm posterior 1 (MESP1) plays a role in the proliferation of gastric cancer cells remain unclear.

METHODS

The expression of MESP1 was compared in 48 human gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Knockdown of MESP1 was performed to investigate the role of MESP1 in the proliferation and apoptosis of BGC-823 and MGC-803 gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of alternative reading frame (ARF) was performed to study the role of ARF in the inhibitory effect of MESP1 knockdown on cell proliferation in gastric cancer cells. Mouse subcutaneous xenograft tumor model bearing BGC-823 cells was used to investigate the role of MESP1 in the growth of gastric tumor in vivo. The effect of seven active ingredients from T. terrestris on MESP1 expression was tested. The anti-cancer effect of diosgenin was confirmed in gastric cancer cells. MESP1 dependence of the anti-cancer effect of diosgenin was confirmed by MESP1 knockdown.

RESULTS

MESP1 was highly expressed in human gastric cancer tissues (p < 0.05). MESP1 knockdown induced apoptosis and up-regulated the expression of ARF in gastric cancer cells (p < 0.05). Knockdown of ARF attenuated the anti-cancer effect of MESP1 knockdown (p < 0.05). In addition, MESP1 knockdown also suppressed tumor growth in vivo (p < 0.05). Diosgenin inhibits both mRNA and protein expression of MESP1 (p < 0.05). MESP1 knockdown attenuated the anti-cancer effect of diosgenin (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MESP1 promotes the proliferation of gastric cancer cells via inhibiting ARF expression. Diosgenin exerts anti-cancer effect through inhibiting MESP1 expression in gastric cancer cells.

Dioscin and diosgenin: Insights into their potential protective effects in cardiac diseases

BACKGROUND AND ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dioscin and diosgenin derived from plants of the genus Dioscoreaceae such as D. nipponica and D. panthaica Prain et Burk. Were utilized as the main active ingredients of traditional herbal medicinal products for coronary heart disease in the former Soviet Union and China since 1960s. A growing number of research showed that dioscin and diosgenin have a wide range of pharmacological activities in heart diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To summarize the evidence of the effectiveness of dioscin and diosgenin in cardiac diseases, and to provide a basis and reference for future research into their clinical applications and drug development in the field of cardiac disease.

METHODS

Literatures in this review were searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science. All eligible studies are analyzed and summarized in this review.

RESULTS

The pharmacological activities and therapeutic potentials of dioscin and diosgenin in cardiac diseases are similar, can effectively improve hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, myocardial I/R injury and cardiotoxicity caused by doxorubicin. But the bioavailability of dioscin and diosgenin may be too low as a result of poor absorption and slow metabolism, which hinders their development and utilization.

CONCLUSION

Dioscin and diosgenin need further in-depth experimental research, clinical transformation and structural modification or research of new preparations before they can be expected to be developed into new therapeutic drugs in the field of cardiac disease.

ADAMTS16 activates latent TGF-β, accentuating fibrosis and dysfunction of the pressure-overloaded heart

AIMS

Cardiac fibrosis is a major cause of heart failure (HF), and mediated by the differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. However, limited tools are available to block cardiac fibrosis. ADAMTS16 is a member of the ADAMTS superfamily of extracellular protease enzymes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and remodelling. In this study, we aimed to establish ADAMTS16 as a key regulator of cardiac fibrosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated that ADAMTS16 was significantly up-regulated in mice with transverse aortic constriction (TAC) associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and HF, which was correlated with increased expression of Mmp2, Mmp9, Col1a1, and Col3a1. Overexpression of ADAMTS16 accelerated the AngII-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Protein structural analysis and co-immunoprecipitation revealed that ADAMTS16 interacted with the latency-associated peptide (LAP)-transforming growth factor (TGF)-β via a RRFR motif. Overexpression of ADAMTS16 induced the activation of TGF-β in cardiac fibroblasts; however, the effects were blocked by a mutation of the RRFR motif to IIFI, knockdown of Adamts16 expression, or a TGF-β-neutralizing antibody (ΝAb). The RRFR tetrapeptide, but not control IIFI peptide, blocked the interaction between ADAMTS16 and LAP-TGF-β, and accelerated the activation of TGF-β in cardiac fibroblasts. In TAC mice, the RRFR tetrapeptide aggravated cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy by up-regulation of ECM proteins, activation of TGF-β, and increased SMAD2/SMAD3 signalling, however, the effects were blocked by TGF-β-NAb.

CONCLUSION

ADAMTS16 promotes cardiac fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and HF by facilitating cardiac fibroblasts activation via interacting with and activating LAP-TGF-β signalling. The RRFR motif of ADAMTS16 disrupts the interaction between ADAMTS16 and LAP-TGF-β, activates TGF-β, and aggravated cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. This study identifies a novel regulator of TGF-β signalling and cardiac fibrosis, and provides a new target for the development of therapeutic treatment of cardiac fibrosis and HF.

Diosgenin inhibits TGF-β1/Smad signaling and regulates epithelial mesenchymal transition in experimental pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a grave disease characterized by abnormal wound healing associated with chronic, progressive, irreversible fatal lung disease, leading to persistent injuries to the alveolar epithelium. A consequent disturbance of fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis results in subsequent release of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mediators coupled with accumulation of extracellular matrix within the interstitium. Inexorable distortion of lung alveolar architecture leads to respiratory failure with a median survival rate of 3-5 years. Currently available drugs can only slowdown the progression of fibrosis and novel drugs are warranted to treat this disease. In this study, we demonstrate the fibro-protective effect of diosgenin in experimental lung fibrosis through regulation of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). A single dose of 3 U/kg body weight (b.wt) Bleomycin (BLM) was administered intratracheally in Wistar male albino rats and fibrotic animals were treated with diosgenin (100 mg/kg b.wt) orally for 28 days. BLM administered rat show histological alteration with increased mast cell and collagen accumulation. BLM induced abnormalities were significantly reduced upon treatment with diosgenin. Western blot analysis revealed an increased level of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic molecules such as IL-1β and TGF-β in BLM induced rats. Rats supplemented with diosgenin showed a decreased expression of inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mediators. Markers of EMT molecules were evaluated by immunoblot. The results of immunoblot demonstrate that diosgenin regulated the expression of TGF-β mediated EMT. Hence, from the overall study, administration of diosgenin prevents pulmonary fibrosis by restraint inflammation and EMT.

Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, and its analogs: Effective therapies against different chronic diseases

BACKGROUND

Chronic diseases are a major cause of mortality worldwide, and despite the recent development in treatment modalities, synthetic drugs have continued to show toxic side effects and development of chemoresistance, thereby limiting their application. The use of phytochemicals has gained attention as they show minimal side effects. Diosgenin is one such phytochemical which has gained importance for its efficacy against the life-threatening diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, nervous system disorders, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, and many more.

AIM

To evaluate the literature available on the potential of diosgenin and its analogs in modulating different molecular targets leading to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

METHOD

A detailed literature search has been carried out on PubMed for gathering information related to the sources, biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, biological activities, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and toxicity of diosgenin and its analogs.

KEY FINDINGS

The literature search resulted in many in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials that reported the efficacy of diosgenin and its analogs in modulating important molecular targets and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK, etc., which play a crucial role in the development of most of the diseases. Reports have also revealed the safety of the compound and the adaptation of nanotechnological approaches for enhancing its bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties.

SIGNIFICANCE

Thus, the review summarizes the efficacy of diosgenin and its analogs for developing as a potent drug against several chronic diseases.

Use of Chou's 5-Steps Rule to Reveal Active Compound and Mechanism of Shuangshen Pingfei San on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Shuangshen Pingfei San (SPS) is the derivative from the classic formula Renshen Pingfei San in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

METHODS

In this study, Chou's 5-steps rule was performed to explore the potential active compound and mechanism of SPS on IPF. Compound-target network, target- pathway network, herb-target network and the core gene target interaction network were established and analyzed. A total of 296 compounds and 69 candidate therapeutic targets of SPS in treating IPF were obtained. Network analysis revealed that the main active compounds were flavonoids (such as apigenin, quercetin, naringenin, luteolin), other clusters (such as ginsenoside Rh2, diosgenin, tanshinone IIa), which might also play significant roles. SPS regulated multiple IPF relative genes, which affect fibrosis (PTGS2, KDR, FGFR1, TGFB, VEGFA, MMP2/9) and inflammation (PPARG, TNF, IL13, IL4, IL1B, etc.).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect of SPS might be related to the regulation of inflammation and pro-fibrotic signaling pathways. These findings revealed that the potential active compounds and mechanisms of SPS on IPF were a benefit to further study.

Piperlongumine inhibits angiotensin II-induced extracellular matrix expression in cardiac fibroblasts

Piperlongumine (PL), a single component isolated from Piper longum, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, antitumor, and antidiabetic activities. However, its role in cardiac fibrosis remains to be clarified. Therefore, we determined the effects of PL on cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) production under angiotensin II (Ang II) conditions, and further investigated the underlying molecular mechanism. Our data revealed that PL inhibited the proliferation and migration of CFs induced by Ang II. In addition, PL blocked the transformation of CFs to myofibroblasts induced by Ang II, as well as decreased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and malondialdehyde level in Ang II-stimulated CFs. Furthermore, PL significantly suppressed the Ang II-increased phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in CFs. Taken together, the results of the current study demonstrated that PL inhibits Ang II-induced cell proliferation, migration, and ECM expression in CFs through the inactivation of the ERR1/2 signaling pathway. These data strongly suggest that PL may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.

Losartan Alleviates Renal Fibrosis and Inhibits Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) Under High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperglycemia

The endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of glomerular vascular endothelial cells is considered to be pivotal in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The risk of DN can be decreased by losartan, but the potential molecular mechanism(s) are not fully understood. Extensive data show that the EMT occurs in proximal tubular endothelial cells resulting in an endothelial phenotype switch (fibrotic matrix accumulation), consequently enhancing the development of renal interstitial fibrosis. Here, we found that losartan significantly ameliorated DN-induced renal fibrosis progression via inhibition of the EMT in mice. In vivo experiments suggested that losartan significantly alleviated microalbuminuria and pathologic changes under high-fat diet-induced hyperglycemia. Immunohistochemistry indicated that losartan suppressed the EMT in glomeruli. In addition, losartan decreased oxidative stress damage and inhibited the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad pathway. Furthermore, consistent changes were detected in vitro where losartan markedly inhibited the EMT and TGF-β1/Smad pathway induced by high glucose in glomerular endothelial cells. Together, these results suggested that losartan could alleviate the EMT in glomeruli via inhibition of oxidative stress damage and the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway under hyperglycemia.

Synthesis of novel hybrid steroid dimers by BF3·Et2O-catalyzed aldol condensation of 2-formyl-estradiol diacetate and steroid sapogenins

BF₃·Et₂O-catalyzed aldol condensation of steroid sapogenins with 2-formyl-estradiol diacetate afforded two novel classes of steroid dimers in which an estrogenic core is attached to the spirostanic side chain of an steroid sapogenin through an exocyclic double bond in position C-23, or through a spiro centre in C-22.