Ginsenoside Rb1 Inhibits Doxorubicin-Triggered H9C2 Cell Apoptosis via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

The AhR/P38 MAPK pathway mediates kynurenine-induced cardiomyocyte damage: The dual role of resveratrol in apoptosis and autophagy

Chronic kidney disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, partly due to uremic toxins, such as Kynurenine (KYN). While KYN contributes to tissue damage, its role in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy remains unclear. Resveratrol (RSV) can protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, whereas its specific effects on KYN-induced cardiomyopathy are less understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of KYN in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagy and examine the protective effects of RSV against KYN-induced damage. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were cultured and treated with KYN in presence or absence of RSV or inhibitors of the AhR/Src/MAPKs pathway. Cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and autophagy were assessed using MTT, TUNEL, JC-1, and autophagy detection assays. KYN induced apoptosis, and autophagy in H9C2 cells. RSV pretreatment reduced apoptosis but enhanced autophagy in KYN-treated cells. Inhibiting autophagy or blocking apoptosis, increased KYN-induced apoptosis and autophagy, respectively. Additionally, KYN treatment enhanced AhR activation and the phosphorylation of Src and MAPKs proteins, whereas RSV pretreatment decreased AhR activation and ERK phosphorylation. Inhibitors of p38 MAPK and JNK reduced expression of apoptotic proteins. AhR inhibition also reduced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and expression of apoptotic proteins while it enhanced autophagy-related protein expression in KYN treated H9C2 cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that KYN induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis via the AhR/p38 MAPK pathway whereas RSV can protect against the KYN-induced apoptosis while promoting autophagy. Given the high cardiovascular risk in CKD patients, these findings provide in-sight into potential therapeutic strategies targeting KYN-induced cardiomyopathy.

A review of cardioprotective effect of ginsenosides in chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity

Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is a significant concern in cancer treatment, as certain chemotherapeutic agents can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. This can lead to a range of cardiac complications, including heart failure, arrhythmias, myocardial dysfunction, pericardial complications, and vascular toxicity. Strategies to mitigate chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity may include the use of cardioprotective agents (e.g., dexrazoxane), dose adjustments, alternative treatment regimens, and the implementation of preventive measures, such as lifestyle modifications and the management of cardiovascular risk factors. Ginsenosides, the active compounds found in ginseng (Panax ginseng), have been studied for their potential cardioprotective effects in the context of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. In this review, we investigate the cardioprotective effect of ginsenosides in chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Ginsenosides have been shown to possess potent antioxidant properties, which can help mitigate the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with chemotherapy-induced cardiac injury. They can modulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes and reduce the production of reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting cardiomyocytes from damage. Ginsenosides can also inhibit apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cardiomyocytes, which is a key mechanism underlying chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Modulation of ion channels, improvement of lipid profiles, anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic effects, and promotion of angiogenesis and neovascularization are another important mechanisms behind potential effects of ginsenosides on cardiovascular health. Ginsenosides can improve various parameters of cardiac function, such as ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and cardiac output, in animal models of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. The cardioprotective effects of ginsenosides have been observed in preclinical studies using various chemotherapeutic agents, including doxorubicin, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil. However, more clinical studies are needed to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential of ginsenosides in preventing and managing chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in cancer patients.

Association of Estrogen Receptor-α and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Ischemic Stroke in an Egyptian Population: A Pilot Study

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability worldwide, with the highest prevalence in developing countries. Ischemic stroke (IS) is a complex disease resulting from genetic and environmental interactions. The present work is a pilot study exploring the association of estrogen receptor-α (ESR1) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) SNPs with IS in a small Egyptian population of IS patients. Sixty IS patients and 60 matched healthy controls were included in this case-control study. Genotyping of ESR1 PvuII (rs2234693), ESR1 XbaI (rs9340799), and AHR rs2066853 SNPs was performed using real-time PCR. ESR1 PvuII TC and CC genotypes were associated with IS (odds ratio (OR) = 2.821, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.204-6.609, p = 0.017, and OR = 9.455, 95% CI = 2.222-40.237, p = 0.002, respectively), and TC genotype in female IS (OR = 4.018, 95% CI = 1.117-14.455, p = 0.033). Additionally, ESR1 XbaI GA and GG genotypes were associated with IS (OR = 2.833, 95% CI = 1.190-6.749, p = 0.019, and OR = 34.000, 95% CI = 6.965-165.980, p < 0.001, respectively), and the AG and GG genotypes in male IS (OR = 3.378, 95% CI = 1.103-10.347, p = 0.033 and OR = 22.8, 95% CI = 2.580-201.488, p = 0.005, respectively) and the GG genotype in female IS (95% CI = 7.259-1115.914, p < 0.001). ESR1 PvuII and XbaI haplotypes C-A, T-G, and C-A increased the risk of IS in both genders, in male IS, and in female IS apart from C-A. The AG genotype of AHR rs2066853 was associated with male IS (OR = 6.900, 95% CI = 2.120-22.457 p = 0.001). ESR1 PvuII, ESR1 XbaI, and AHR rs2066853 SNPs are associated with IS in Egyptians. However, this is a small sample, and the findings should be replicated in a larger population.

Ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing autophagy and ferroptosis

Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), an active component isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Ginseng, is beneficial to many cardiovascular diseases. However, whether it can protect against doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) is not clear yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of Rb1 in DIC. Mice were injected with a single dose of doxorubicin (20 mg/kg) to induce acute cardiotoxicity. Rb1 was given daily gavage to mice for 7 days. Changes in cardiac function, myocardium histopathology, oxidative stress, cardiomyocyte mitochondrion morphology were studied to evaluate Rb1's function on DIC. Meanwhile, RNA-seq analysis was performed to explore the potential underline molecular mechanism involved in Rb1's function on DIC. We found that Rb1 treatment can improve survival rate and body weight in Dox treated mice group. Rb1 can attenuate Dox induced cardiac dysfunction and myocardium hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The oxidative stress increase and cardiomyocyte mitochondrion injury were improved by Rb1 treatment. Mechanism study found that Rb1's beneficial role in DIC is through suppressing of autophagy and ferroptosis. This study shown that Ginsenoside Rb1 can protect against DIC by regulating autophagy and ferroptosis.

A review of chemotherapeutic drugs-induced arrhythmia and potential intervention with traditional Chinese medicines

Significant advances in chemotherapy drugs have reduced mortality in patients with malignant tumors. However, chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity increases the morbidity and mortality of patients, and has become the second leading cause of death after tumor recurrence, which has received more and more attention in recent years. Arrhythmia is one of the common types of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and has become a new risk related to chemotherapy treatment, which seriously affects the therapeutic outcome in patients. Traditional Chinese medicine has experienced thousands of years of clinical practice in China, and has accumulated a wealth of medical theories and treatment formulas, which has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of malignant diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine may reduce the arrhythmic toxicity caused by chemotherapy without affecting the anti-cancer effect. This paper mainly discussed the types and pathogenesis of secondary chemotherapeutic drug-induced arrhythmia (CDIA), and summarized the studies on Chinese medicine compounds, Chinese medicine Combination Formula and Chinese medicine injection that may be beneficial in intervention with secondary CDIA including atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmia and sinus bradycardia, in order to provide reference for clinical prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced arrhythmias.

CKLF1, transcriptionally activated by FOXC1, promotes hypoxia/reoxygenation‑induced oxidative stress and inflammation in H9c2 cells by NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a clinical challenge in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. The present study aimed to establish a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced H9c2 cell model to explore the role and mechanism of chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) in myocardial I/R injury. First, CKLF1 expression was measured in H/R-induced H9c2 cells by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Subsequently, after CKLF1 silencing, cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry. In addition, 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining was used to assess the levels of cellular reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde, and the contents of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were detected using corresponding commercially available kits. Western blotting was used to examine the expression levels of proteins involved in the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. The JASPAR database predicted that forkhead box protein C1 (FOXC1) would bind to the CKLF1 promoter region, and dual luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to verify it. Subsequently, FOXC1 overexpression and CKLF1 silencing were used to clarify the regulatory mechanism of FOXC1 on CKLF1 in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. The results revealed that CKLF1 expression was markedly enhanced in H/R-stimulated H9c2 cells. CKLF1 knockdown enhanced the viability and inhibited the apoptosis of H9c2 cells exposed to H/R. Moreover, the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by H/R were alleviated following CKLF1 silencing. CKLF1 knockdown also inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, FOXC1 bound to the CKLF1 promoter region to upregulate CKLF1 expression, and FOXC1 overexpression alleviated the effects of CKLF1 knockdown on H9c2 cell damage induced by H/R via activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In conclusion, CKLF1 transcriptionally activated by FOXC1 may promote H/R-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in H9c2 cells via NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Herb-drug interactions between Panax notoginseng or its biologically active compounds and therapeutic drugs: A comprehensive pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Herbs, along with the use of herb-drug interactions (HDIs) to combat diseases, are increasing in popularity worldwide. HDIs have two effects: favorable interactions that tend to improve therapeutic outcomes and/or minimize the toxic effects of drugs, and unfavorable interactions aggravating the condition of patients. Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen is a medicinal plant that has long been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce swelling, relieve pain, clear blood stasis, and stop bleeding. Numerous studies have demonstrated the existence of intricate pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions between P. notoginseng and conventional drugs. However, these HDIs have not been systematically summarized.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To collect the available literature on the combined applications of P. notoginseng and drugs published from 2005 to 2022 and summarize the molecular mechanisms of interactions to circumvent the potential risks of combination therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This work was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CNKI databases. The search terms included "notoginseng", "Sanqi", "drug interaction," "synergy/synergistic", "combination/combine", "enzyme", "CYP", and "transporter".

RESULTS

P. notoginseng and its bioactive ingredients interact synergistically with numerous drugs, including anticancer, antiplatelet, and antimicrobial agents, to surmount drug resistance and side effects. This review elaborates on the molecular mechanisms of the PD processed involved. P. notoginseng shapes the PK processes of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of other drugs by regulating metabolic enzymes and transporters, mainly cytochrome P450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein. This effect is a red flag for drugs with a narrow therapeutic window. Notably, amphipathic saponins in P. notoginseng act as auxiliary materials in drug delivery systems to enhance drug solubility and absorption and represent a new entry point for studying interactions.

CONCLUSION

This article provides a comprehensive overview of HDIs by analyzing the results of the in vivo and in vitro studies on P. notoginseng and its bioactive components. The knowledge presented here offers a scientific guideline for investigating the clinical importance of combination therapies. Physicians and patients need information on possible interactions between P. notoginseng and other drugs, and this review can help them make scientific predictions regarding the consequences of combination treatments.

The role of ginseng derivatives against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: A systematic review of non-clinical studies

Aims

Although chemotherapy agents are used to treating cancers, they have serious side effects, like their harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, limiting the clinical use of these chemotherapy agents. This study aimed to systematically investigate the potential role of ginseng derivatives in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity.

Methods

This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines strategy in databases till August 2022. First, identify studies related to using search terms in titles and abstracts. After studying and screening 209 articles, 16 articles were selected in this study according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

According to the findings of this study, ginseng derivatives showed significant changes in biochemical, histological, and heart weight loss, as well as a reduction in mortality, which occurred in the groups treated with chemotherapy agents compared to the control groups. Co-administration of ginseng derivatives with chemotherapy agents inhibited or reversed these changes to near-moderate levels. The protective effects of ginseng derivatives can be due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic action.

Conclusion

This systematic review shows evidence that concomitant administration of ginseng derivatives improves chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity. However, for better conclusions about the practical mechanisms of ginseng derivatives in reducing the cardiac toxic effects of chemotherapy agents and evaluating the efficacy and safety of the compound simultaneously, it is necessary to design comprehensive studies.

Role and molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in preventing cardiotoxicity associated with chemoradiotherapy

Cardiotoxicity is a serious complication of cancer therapy. It is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors and is associated with a variety of factors, including oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and abnormal myocardial energy metabolism. A number of studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can mitigate chemoradiotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity via these pathways. Therefore, this study reviews the effects and molecular mechanisms of TCM on chemoradiotherapy-related cardiotoxicity. In this study, we searched PubMed for basic studies on the anti-cardiotoxicity of TCM in the past 5 years and summarized their results. Angelica Sinensis, Astragalus membranaceus Bunge, Danshinone IIA sulfonate sodium (STS), Astragaloside (AS), Resveratrol, Ginsenoside, Quercetin, Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD), Shengxian decoction (SXT), Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP), Qishen Huanwu Capsule (QSHWC), Angelica Sinensis and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge Ultrafiltration Extract (AS-AM),Shenmai injection (SMI), Xinmailong (XML), and nearly 60 other herbs, herbal monomers, herbal soups and herbal compound preparations were found to be effective as complementary or alternative treatments. These preparations reduced chemoradiotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity through various pathways such as anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress, regulation of apoptosis and autophagy, and improvement of myocardial energy metabolism. However, few clinical trials have been conducted on these therapies, and these trials can provide stronger evidence-based support for TCM.

Ginsenoside Rb1 prevents osteoporosis via the AHR/PRELP/NF-κB signaling axis

BACKGROUND

Accumulating clinical and experimental evidence shows multiple biological effects of ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) in the treatment of aging related diseases such as osteoporosis (OP). Recently, GRb1 has attracted extensive attention as an anti-osteoporosis agent. Here, we sought to identify the mechanism by which GRb1 improves OP.

METHODS

A dexamethasone (DEX)-induced rat model of OP was constructed and the rats were treated with GRb1 to examine its role in OP. We screened the action targets of GRb1 online and validated by performing functional experiments. The correlation between aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and proline/arginine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein (PRELP) was identified through luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. In the isolated osteoblasts from DEX-induced OP rats, the expression of osteogenic differentiation-associated genes, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway-related genes, mineralization, and number of calcium nodules were assessed.

RESULTS

GRb1 enhanced the differentiation of osteoblasts, the mechanism of which was related to upregulation of AHR. AHR could promote the transcription of PRELP by binding to the PRELP promoter region and consequently caused its upregulation. Meanwhile, PRELP inhibited the activation of the NF-κB pathway, which underlay the promoting impact of AHR in the osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, GRb1 could ameliorate OP in DEX-induced rats via the AHR/PRELP/NF-κB axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that GRb1 might function as an effective candidate to prevent the progression of OP via regulation of the AHR/PRELP/NF-κB axis, revealing a new molecular mechanism underpinning the impact of GRb1 in the progression of OP and offering a theoretical contribution to the treatment of OP.

Nuclear Receptors in Myocardial and Cerebral Ischemia-Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Strategies

Nearly 18 million people died from cardiovascular diseases in 2019, of these 85% were due to heart attack and stroke. The available therapies although efficacious, have narrow therapeutic window and long list of contraindications. Therefore, there is still an urgent need to find novel molecular targets that could protect the brain and heart against ischemia without evoking major side effects. Nuclear receptors are one of the promising targets for anti-ischemic drugs. Modulation of estrogen receptors (ERs) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) by their ligands is known to exert neuro-, and cardioprotective effects through anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory or anti-oxidant action. Recently, it has been shown that the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is strongly increased after brain or heart ischemia and evokes an activation of apoptosis or inflammation in injury site. We hypothesize that activation of ERs and PPARs and inhibition of AhR signaling pathways could be a promising strategy to protect the heart and the brain against ischemia. In this Review, we will discuss currently available knowledge on the mechanisms of action of ERs, PPARs and AhR in experimental models of stroke and myocardial infarction and future perspectives to use them as novel targets in cardiovascular diseases.

Panax ginseng and its ginsenosides: potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced side effects

Chemotherapy-induced side effects affect the quality of life and efficacy of treatment of cancer patients. Current approaches for treating the side effects of chemotherapy are poorly effective and may cause numerous harmful side effects. Therefore, developing new and effective drugs derived from natural non-toxic compounds for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced side effects is necessary. Experiments in vivo and in vitro indicate that Panax ginseng (PG) and its ginsenosides are undoubtedly non-toxic and effective options for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced side effects, such as nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and hematopoietic inhibition. The mechanism focus on anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis, as well as the modulation of signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), P62/keap1/Nrf2, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/P53/caspase 3, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4)/JNK, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT. Since a systemic review of the effect and mechanism of PG and its ginsenosides on chemotherapy-induced side effects has not yet been published, we provide a comprehensive summarization with this aim and shed light on the future research of PG.

Protective Effect of Ginsenoside Rb1 Nanoparticles Against Contrast-Induced Nephropathy by Inhibiting High Mobility Group Box 1 Gene/Toll-Like Receptor 4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

With the progress made in the widespread application of interventional radiology procedures, there has been an increasing number of patients who suffer from cardiovascular diseases and go through imaging and interventional treatment with iodine contrast medium (ICM) year by year. In turn, there has been an increasing amount of concern over acute kidney injury (AKI) brought about by ICM. As evidenced by numerous studies, the initiation of inflammatory response plays a critical role in the development of ICM-induced AKI. Correspondingly, the strategy of targeting renal inflammatory response and cytokine release could provide an effective solution to mitigating the ICM-induced AKI. Moreover, Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) constitutes one of the major active components of ginseng and features a wide range of vital biological functions. Judging from the research findings, GRb1 could impose antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on cardiovascular diseases, in addition to lung, liver and kidney diseases. However, reports on whether GRb1 could impose a protective effect against contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) are absent. In this study, we have examined the therapeutic effects imposed by GRb1 as well as the potential molecular mechanism by establishing an in vivo and in vitro model of CIN. In addition, we have set up a mouse model of CIN through sequential intravenous injection of indomethacin, N(ω)-nitro-Larginine methyl ester (L-NAME), and iopromide. To further enhance the bioavailability of GRb1, we have encapsulated GRb1 with polyethylene glycol (PEG)/poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanocarriers to generate GRb1 nanoparticles (NPs) conducting the in vivo experiments. During the in vitro experiments, we have adopted GRb1 to treat NRK-52E cells or cells transfected with the high mobility group box 1 gene (HMGB1) overexpression plasmid. As shown by the in vivo experimental results, GRb1 NPs could evidently improve the renal dysfunction in CIN, diminish the extent of apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells, and reduce the expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-1β). In addition, GRb1 NPs are found to be capable of preventing the activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway triggered by contrast medium. The in vitro experimental results have exactly confirmed the findings of the in vivo experiments. In the meantime, through the observation of the in vitro assays, overexpression of HMGB1 can partially counteract the beneficial effects imposed by GRb1. Judging from our research data, GRb1 could impose a protective effect against CIN by inhibiting inflammatory response via HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway, whereas HMGB1 constitutes a critical molecular target of GRb1.

Ginsenoside Rb1 protects from Staphylococcus aureus-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum-stress and death receptor-mediated pathways

Acute lung injury (ALI) is acute uncontrolled inflammation of lung tissue that leads to high fatality both in human and animals. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) could be an opportunistic, versatile bacterial etiology of ALI. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) is extracted from the Panax ginseng, which displays a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects. However, protective effects of Rb1 in S. aureus-induced ALI though endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and death receptor-mediated pathways have not yet been reported. Therefore, present study was planned with the aims to investigate the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of Rb1 through regulation of ER stress as well as death receptor-mediated pathways in ALI induced by S. aureus in mice. In this study, four groups of healthy Kunming mice (n = 48) were used. The S. aureus (80 µl; 1 ×10⁷ CFU/10 µl) was administered intranasally to establish mice model of ALI. After 24 h of onset of S. aureus-induced ALI, the mice were injected thrice with Rb1 (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally six hours apart. Histopathology, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Immunohistochemistry and western blotting assay were employed in the current study. Our results suggested that Rb1 administration save lungs from pulmonary injury by reducing wet to dry (W/D) ratio, protein levels, total cells, neutrophilic count, reactive oxygen species (ROS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)1 depletion. Meanwhile, Rb1 therapy ameliorated histopathology alteration of lung tissue and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. The gene expression of ER stress marker (PERK, AFT-6, IRE1 and CHOP) were upregulated markedly (P < .05) in S. aureus-instilled groups, which was reduced by Rb1 administration that is reveled from the result findings of the RT-qPCR and immunoblot assay. The results of immunohistochemistry for CHOP indicated the increased expression in S. aureus groups which in turn ameliorated by Rb1 treatment. The mRNA expression demonstrated that death receptor-associated genes (FasL, Fas, FADD and caspase-8) showed up-regulation in S. aureus group. The similar findings were observed for the protein expression of caspase-8, FADD and Fas. Rb1 treatment markedly (P < .05) reversed protein and mRNA expression levels of these death receptor-associated genes when compared to the S. aureus group. Taken together, Rb1 attenuated S. aureus-induced oxidative damage via the ER stress-mediated pathway and apoptosis through death receptor-mediated pathway. Conclusively, our findings provide an insight into preventive mechanism of Rb1 in ALI caused by S. aureus and hence proven a scientific baseline for the therapeutic application of Rb1.

CYP1B1 as a therapeutic target in cardio-oncology

Cardiovascular complications have been frequently reported in cancer patients and survivors, mainly because of various cardiotoxic cancer treatments. Despite the known cardiovascular toxic effects of these treatments, they are still clinically used because of their effectiveness as anti-cancer agents. In this review, we discuss the growing body of evidence suggesting that inhibition of the cytochrome P450 1B1 enzyme (CYP1B1) can be a promising therapeutic strategy that has the potential to prevent cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular complications without reducing their anti-cancer effects. CYP1B1 is an extrahepatic enzyme that is expressed in cardiovascular tissues and overexpressed in different types of cancers. A growing body of evidence is demonstrating a detrimental role of CYP1B1 in both cardiovascular diseases and cancer, via perturbed metabolism of endogenous compounds, production of carcinogenic metabolites, DNA adduct formation, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Several chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to induce CYP1B1 in cardiovascular and cancer cells, possibly via activating the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), ROS generation, and inflammatory cytokines. Induction of CYP1B1 is detrimental in many ways. First, it can induce or exacerbate cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular complications. Second, it may lead to significant chemo/radio-resistance, undermining both the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatments. Therefore, numerous preclinical studies demonstrate that inhibition of CYP1B1 protects against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and prevents chemo- and radio-resistance. Most of these studies have utilized phytochemicals to inhibit CYP1B1. Since phytochemicals have multiple targets, future studies are needed to discern the specific contribution of CYP1B1 to the cardioprotective and chemo/radio-sensitizing effects of these phytochemicals.

Ginsenoside Rb1 ameliorates cardiotoxicity triggered by aconitine via inhibiting calcium overload and pyroptosis

BACKGROUND

Aconitine-induced cardiotoxicity limits the clinical treatment of cardiotonic, cancers and immune-related diseases. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) is an active ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine with cardioprotective effect.

PURPOSE

This study aims to study the mechanism of aconitine cardiotoxicity and the detoxification mechanism of Rb1.

STUDY DESIGN

METHODS: The regulatory effect of Rb1 on aconitine was evaluated in vitro and in vivo by myocardial enzyme indicators, pathological analysis, CardioECR detection, calcium transient analysis, western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Rb1 (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) alleviated apoptotic myocardial damage caused by aconitine in rats. Furthermore, Rb1 (25, 50, 100 μM) restored the contractile function and field potential of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) by regulating calcium channels and reduced myocardial cell damage by inhibiting the calcium transients of adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs). Rb1 significantly reduced calcium levels in hiPSC-CMs, directly indicating that aconitine-induced calcium overload was alleviated by Rb1. Further, aconitine caused calcium overload by changing the expression of calcium pathway proteins, while Rb1 effectively restored calcium homeostasis. In addition, Rb1 also had a cardioprotective role by inhibiting cell pyroptosis. These results suggested that the maintenance of calcium homeostasis helped to suppress the inflammatory response related to pyroptosis of the heart.

CONCLUSION

Aconitine-induced cardiotoxicity can be alleviated by Rb1 via restoring calcium homeostasis and inhibiting apoptosis and pyroptosis.

Ginsenoside Rb 1: A novel therapeutic agent in Staphylococcusaureus-induced Acute Lung Injury with special reference to Oxidative stress and Apoptosis

Acute lung injury (ALI) is considered as an uncontrolled inflammatory response that can leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which limits the therapeutic strategies. Ginsenosides Rb1 (Rb1), an active ingredient obtained from Panax ginseng, possesses a broad range of pharmacological and medicinal properties, comprising the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor activities. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of Rb1 against S. aureus-induced (ALI) through regulation of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathways in mice (in-vivo), and RAW264.7 cells (in-vitro). For that purpose, forty Kunming mice were randomly assigned into four treatment groups; (1) Control group (phosphate buffer saline (PBS); (2) S. aureus group; (3) S. aureus + Rb1 (20 mg/kg) group; and (4) Rb1 (20 mg/kg) group. The 20 μg/mL dose of Rb1 was used in RAW264.7 cells. In the present study, we found that Rb1 treatment reduced ALI-induced oxidative stress via suppressing the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and increase the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxidase dismutase 1 (SOD1), Catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1). Similarly, Rb1 markedly increased messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of antioxidant genes (SOD1, CAT and Gpx1) in comparison with ALI group. The histopathological results showed that Rb1 treatment ameliorated ALI-induced hemorrhages, hyperemia, perivascular edema and neutrophilic infiltration in the lungs of mice. Furthermore, Rb1 enhanced the antioxidant defense system through activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Our findings showed that Rb1 treated group significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and its downstream associated genes down-regulated by ALI in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, ALI significantly increased the both mRNA and protein expression of mitochondrial-apoptosis-related genes (Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, cytochrome c and p53), while decreased the Bcl-2. In addition, Rb1 therapy significantly reversed the mRNA and protein expression of these mitochondrial-apoptosis-related genes, as compared to the ALI group in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, Rb1 alleviates ALI-induced oxidative injury and apoptosis by modulating the Nrf2 and mitochondrial signaling pathways in the lungs of mice.

Paeonol Reverses Adriamycin Induced Cardiac Pathological Remodeling through Notch1 Signaling Reactivation in H9c2 Cells and Adult Zebrafish Heart

Adriamycin is a commonly prescribed chemotherapeutic drug for a wide range of cancers. Adriamycin causes cardiotoxicity as an adverse effect that limits its clinical application in cancer treatment. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the toxicity it causes in heart cells. Disruption of inherent cardiac repair mechanism is the least understood mechanism of Adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity. Adriamycin induces pathological remodeling in cardiac cells by promoting apoptosis, hypertrophy, and fibrosis. We found that Adriamycin inhibited Notch1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner in H9c2 cells. We used Paeonol, a Notch1 activator, and analyzed the markers of apoptosis, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in H9c2 cells in vitro and in adult zebrafish heart in vivo as model systems to study Adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity. Paeonol activated Notch1 signaling and expression of its downstream target genes effectively in the Adriamycin-treated condition in vitro and in vivo. Also we detected that Notch activation using Paeonol protected the cells from apoptosis, collagen deposition, and hypertrophy response using functional assays. We conclude that Adriamycin induced cardiotoxicity by promoting the pathological cardiac remodeling through inhibition of Notch1 signaling and that the Notch1 reactivation by Paeonol protected the cells and reversed the cardiotoxicity.

The Effect of Ginsenoside RB1, Diazoxide, and 5-Hydroxydecanoate on Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Injury of H9C2 Cardiomyocytes

This study was aimed to investigate whether ginsenoside Rb1 (GS-Rb1) from the cardioprotective Chinese medicine ginseng can reduce hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR)-induced damage to cardiomyocytes by protecting the mitochondria. Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis plays a key role during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). When MIRI occurs, the continuous opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) causes mitochondrial damage and ultimately leads to apoptosis. We treated H9c2 cells, derived from rat embryonic cardiomyoblasts, with GS-Rb1, diazoxide, and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), using HR to simulate MIRI. We found that GS-Rb1 can reduce mPTP by stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) during HR. This protects the mitochondria by reducing the release of cytochrome c and the expression of cleaved-caspase-3 in the cytoplasm, ultimately reducing apoptosis. During this process, GS-Rb1 and diazoxide showed similar effects. These findings provide some evidence for a protective effect of GS-Rb1 treatment on MIRI.

Particulate Matter 2.5 Mediates Cutaneous Cellular Injury by Inducing Mitochondria-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress: Protective Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1

The prevalence of fine particulate matter-induced harm to the human body is increasing daily. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) induces damage in human HaCaT keratinocytes and normal human dermal fibroblasts, and to evaluate the preventive capacity of the ginsenoside Rb1. PM_2.5 induced oxidative stress by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species, leading to DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation; this effect was inhibited by ginsenoside Rb1. Through gene silencing of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes such as PERK, IRE1, ATF, and CHOP, and through the use of the ER stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), it was demonstrated that PM_2.5-induced ER stress also causes apoptosis and ultimately leads to cell death; however, this phenomenon was reversed by ginsenoside Rb1. We also found that TUDCA partially restored the production of ATP that was inhibited by PM_2.5, and its recovery ability was significantly higher than that of ginsenoside Rb1, indicating that the process of ER stress leading to cell damage may also occur via the mitochondrial pathway. We concluded that ER stress acts alone or via the mitochondrial pathway in the induction of cell damage by PM_2.5, and that ginsenoside Rb1 blocks this process. Ginsenoside Rb1 shows potential for use in skin care products to protect the skin against damage by fine particles.

sFRP1 has a biphasic effect on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in a cellular location-dependent manner in NRCMs and Rats

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective anticancer drug, however, its clinical application is restricted by the life-threatening cardiotoxic effects. Secreted Frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP1) has been reported to participate in both the cancer and cardiovascular diseases and was one of the differential expression genes in normal hearts compared with Dox-treated hearts. Thus, it is important to reveal the potential role of sFRP1 in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Here, we show that sFRP1 has a biphasic effect on Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in a location-dependent manner. The secretion of sFRP1 was significantly increased in Dox-treated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) (1 µM) and SD rats (5 mg/kg/injection at day 1, 5, and 9, i.p.). Adding the anti-sFRP1 antibody (0.5 µg/ml) and inhibiting sFRP1 secretion by caffeine (5 mM) both relieved Dox-induced cardiotoxicity through activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, whereas increasing the secretion of sFRP1 by heparin (100 µg/ml) had the opposite effect. The intracellular level of sFRP1 was significantly decreased after Dox treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of sFRP1 by sgRNA aggravated Dox-induced cardiotoxicity, while moderate overexpression of sFRP1 by Ad-sFRP1 exhibited protective effect. Besides, poly(ADP-ribosyl) polymerase-1 (PARP1) was screened as an interacting partner of sFRP1 in NRCMs by mass spectrometry. Our results suggested that the intracellular sFRP1 protected NRCMs from Dox-induced cardiotoxicity by interacting with PARP1. Thus, our results provide a novel evidence that sFRP1 has a biphasic effect on Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. In addition, the oversecretion of sFRP1 might be used as a biomarker to indicate the occurrence of cardiotoxicity induced by Dox treatment.

An integrated strategy for rapid discovery and identification of quality markers in Guanxin Kangtai preparation using UHPLC-TOF/MS and multivariate statistical analysis

BACKGROUND

Guanxin Kangtai preparation (GXKT), consisting of Panax ginseng, Panax notoginseng and Ilex pubescens, is a new proprietary Chinese medicines under development for treating coronary heart disease. Like other Chinese medicines, the components of GXKT were complex and the bioactive compounds remained unclear.

PURPOSE

To discover bioactive compounds as quality markers (Q-markers) for better quality control of GXKT.

STUDY DESIGN

Chinese medicines was separated into fractions. The correlation between chemical information and bioactivity of these fractions were analyzed with multivariate statistical methods to discover bioactive compounds responsible for the actions of Chinese medicine.

METHOD

GXKT was separated into fractions by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ultra HPLC coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-TOF/MS) was applied to detect compound information from these fractions to form a chemical database. The bioactivity of these fractions in protecting cardiomyocytes from ischemia/reperfusion injury was examined in H9c2 cells that were exposed to hypoxia followed by reoxygenation (H/R). Then, partial least square model and orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis were employed to discover bioactive compounds from the chemical database that were positively correlated with the bioactivity of GXKT fractions. Finally, the bioactivity of these compounds was confirmed by bioassay in H9c2 cells.

RESULTS

The chemical information of 120 fractions separated from GXKT was detected and extracted by UHPLC-TOF/MS, and a chemical database including 61 high abundance compounds were formed from all fractions. These fractions produced different extent of protective effect to H9c2 cell underwent H/R treatment with cell viability ranging from 33.43% to 74.91%, demonstrating the separation of bioactive compounds among different fractions. The multivariate analysis discovered 16 compounds from GXKT positively correlated with the bioactivity of GXKT. Of these compounds, 6 compounds, i.e.: ginsenoside Rg₁, Rb₁, Rh₁, Rc, ilexsaponin A₁, and chikusetsusaponin IVa were chemical identified and also confirmed for their responsibility to the action of GXKT by bioassay.

CONCLUSION

Ginsenoside Rg₁, Rb₁, Rh₁, Rc, ilexsaponin A₁, and chikusetsusaponin IVa were bioactive compounds and qualified as Q-markers for quality control of GXKT. This research provided a useful reference for the quality research of Chinese medicines.

Recent progress in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and protective potential of natural products

BACKGROUND

As an anthracycline antibiotic, doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most potent and widely used chemotherapeutic agents for various types of solid tumors. Unfortunately, clinical application of this drug results in severe side effects of cardiotoxicity.

PURPOSE

We aim to review the research focused on elimination or reduction of DOX cardiotoxicity without affecting its anticancer efficacy by natural products.

METHODS

This study is based on pertinent papers that were retrieved by a selective search using relevant keywords in PubMed and ScienceDirect. The literature mainly focusing on natural products and herb extracts with therapeutic efficacies against experimental models both in vitro and in vivo was identified.

RESULTS

Current evidence revealed that multiple molecules and signaling pathways, such as oxidative stress, iron metabolism, and inflammation, are associated with DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Based on these knowledge, various strategies were proposed, and thousands of compounds were screened. A number of natural products and herb extracts demonstrated potency in limiting DOX cardiotoxicity toward cultured cells and experimental animal models.

CONCLUSIONS

Though a panel of natural products and herb extracts demonstrate protective effects on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in cells and animal models, their therapeutic potentials for clinical needs further investigation.