The enhancing effect of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus fruit extract on the antibacterial activity of porcine alveolar 3D4/31 macrophages via NF-κB1 and lipid metabolism regulation

3D Bioprinting of Pig Macrophages and Human Cells Discovered the P2Y14 Receptor as a Mediator of Xenogenic Immune Responses

BACKGROUND

The survival rate of pig lung xenotransplantation (PLXTx) recipients is severely limited by intense xenogenic immune responses, necessitating further insights into xenogeneic immunity and the development of models to study the PLXTx immune response.

METHODS

We identified regulators of PLXTx immune response Using Gene ontology analysis. We assessed the metabolic changes and protein levels in 3D4/31 pig alveolar macrophages (PAMs) through flow cytometry and immunoblotting. To induce a xenogenic immune response, we co-cultured 3D4/31-PAMs with A549 human alveolar epithelial cells and evaluated cytokine expression using qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

Gene ontology analysis identified STAT1 and alveolar macrophages as contributors to lung autoimmunity and transplant rejection. In 3D4/31-PAMs, phorbol myristate acetate-induced glycogen accumulation and cyclooxygenase-2 expression were inhibited by the P2Y14 inhibitor PPTN. Co-culturing 3D4/31-PAMs with A549 human alveolar epithelial cells via 3D bioprinting resulted in a more pronounced inflammatory response than 2D co-culture, with increased expression of genes related to the P2Y14 cascade and inflammation. This inflammatory gene expression was prevented by PPTN treatment.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, we propose alginate bioprinting as an in vitro model for PLXTx and suggest that P2Y14 is a key regulator of xenogeneic immune responses in PAMs.

Eco-Friendly and Efficient Extraction of Polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus by Ultrasound-Assisted Deep Eutectic Solvent

A green extraction method was developed using deep eutectic solvent extraction for the polysaccharide from Acanthopanax senticosus (A. senticosus). Among the eight types of DES prepared, the DES with a ratio of 1:4 L-malic acid to L-proline was found to be a suitable extraction solvent based on the extraction efficiency. The extraction parameters were optimized by Plackett-Burman and response surface methodology (RSM). The best extraction conditions were found for L-malic acid. Under the conditions of an L-malic acid/L-proline ratio of 1:4, ultrasonic power of 240 W, material-liquid ratio of 31.068 g/mL, water content of 32.364%, extraction time of 129.119 min, and extraction temperature of 60 °C, the extraction rate of A. senticosus polysaccharides was 35.452 ± 0.388 mg-g-1. This rate was higher than that of polysaccharides obtained by hot water extraction (13.652 ± 0.09 mg-g-1). The experimental results were best fitted by the quasi-secondary kinetic model when compared to two other kinetic models. Electron microscopic observations showed that DESs were more destructive to plant cells. The polysaccharide extracted from DESs had more monosaccharide components, a lower molecular weight, a higher antioxidant capacity, and superior anti-glycation activity compared to polysaccharides extracted from water (ASPS-PW). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of DESs in obtaining polysaccharides from A. senticosus.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S.Y.Hu: A Review

Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S.Y.Hu (E. sessiliflorus), a member of the Araliaceae family, is a valuable plant widely used for medicinal and dietary purposes. The tender shoots of E. sessiliflorus are commonly consumed as a staple wild vegetable. The fruits of E. sessiliflorus, known for their rich flavor, play a crucial role in the production of beverages and fruit wines. The root barks of E. sessiliflorus are renowned for their therapeutic effects, including dispelling wind and dampness, strengthening tendons and bones, promoting blood circulation, and removing stasis. To compile a comprehensive collection of information on E. sessiliflorus, extensive searches were conducted in databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and CNKI. This review aims to provide a detailed exposition of E. sessiliflorus from various perspectives, including phytochemistry and pharmacological effects, to lay a solid foundation for further investigations into its potential uses. Moreover, this review aims to introduce innovative ideas for the rational utilization of E. sessiliflorus resources and the efficient development of related products. To date, a total of 314 compounds have been isolated and identified from E. sessiliflorus, encompassing terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, volatile oils, organic acids and their esters, nitrogenous compounds, quinones, phenolics, and carbohydrates. Among these, triterpenoids and phenylpropanoids are the primary bioactive components, with E. sessiliflorus containing unique 3,4-seco-lupane triterpenoids. These compounds have demonstrated promising properties such as anti-oxidative stress, anti-aging, antiplatelet aggregation, and antitumor effects. Additionally, they show potential in improving glucose metabolism, cardiovascular systems, and immune systems. Despite some existing basic research on E. sessiliflorus, further investigations are required to enhance our understanding of its mechanisms of action, quality assessment, and formulation studies. A more comprehensive investigation into E. sessiliflorus is warranted to delve deeper into its mechanisms of action and potentially expand its pharmaceutical resources, thus facilitating its development and utilization.

Noble 3,4-Seco-triterpenoid Glycosides from the Fruits of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus and Their Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects

Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (Araliaceae) have been reported to exhibit many pharmacological activities. Our preliminary study suggested that A. sessiliflorus fruits include many bioactive 3,4-seco-triterpenoids. A. sessiliflorus fruits were extracted in aqueous EtOH and fractionated into EtOAc, n-BuOH, and H₂O fractions. Repeated column chromatographies for the organic fractions led to the isolation of 3,4-seco-triterpenoid glycosides, including new compounds. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) mass spectrometry (MS) systems were used for quantitation and quantification. BV2 and RAW264.7 cells were induced by LPS, and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators and their underlying mechanisms were measured by ELISA and Western blotting. NMR, IR, and HR-MS analyses revealed the chemical structures of the nine noble 3,4-seco-triterpenoid glycosides, acanthosessilioside G–O, and two known ones. The amounts of the compounds were 0.01–2.806 mg/g, respectively. Acanthosessilioside K, L, and M were the most effective in inhibiting NO, PGE₂, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 production and reducing iNOS and COX-2 expression. In addition, it had inhibitory effects on the LPS-induced p38 and ERK MAPK phosphorylation in both BV2 and RAW264.7 cells. Nine noble 3,4-seco-triterpenoid glycosides were isolated from A. sessiliflorus fruits, and acanthosessilioside K, L, and M showed high anti-inflammatory and anti-neuroinflammatory effects.

Clinical effect and changes of ET-1, FMD and NO levels in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction with acanthopanax injection

OBJECTIVE

To explore clinical efficacy of acanthopanax injection for the treatment of acute cerebral infarction and its effect on the changes in endothelin-1 (ET-1), flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and nitric oxide (NO) levels.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients with acute cerebral infarction were selected for prospective study. The patients with conventional treatment regimen were the control group while the observation group was treated acanthopanax injection in addition to the treatment given to the control group. Both groups contained 60 patients. After 14 days of treatment, we observed the clinical effects and measured ET-1, NO, FMD, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in both groups.

RESULTS

The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P=0.020). The improvement of ET-1, FMD, NO, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 in the observation group was superior to that of the control group (P<0.05). The scores of NIHSS, MMSE and MoCA in the observation group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The treatment of acute cerebral infarction with acanthopanax injection may enhance the clinical efficacy, improve vascular endothelial function, reduce inflammation and nerve damage, and improve cognitive function.

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hemostatic activities of Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) merr

Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr (AT) is a medicinal and edible plant with high nutritional value. The biological activity of A. trifoliatus (L.) Merr and its basis for injury treatment are explored in this paper. AT was ethanol-extracted then refined separately with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. Active ingredients were analyzed, and anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hemostatic effects were explored. Petroleum ether layer (PEL) extract produced the strongest antibacterial effect. Ethyl acetate layer (EAL) extract had the highest active substance content, with strong hemostatic and analgesic activities. Chloroform layer (CL) extract had the strongest anti-inflammatory effect and significantly reduced IL-1β protein expression. Active ingredients were analyzed using HPLC and UPLC-MS to determine saponin, polyphenol, flavonoid, and characteristic ingredient contents. EAL extract had the highest polyphenol and flavonoid levels, including rutin, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid C, which may contribute to its nutritional activities. The study provides a reliable theoretical and practical basis for the applications of AT nutraceutical products.

A review of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr and Maxim.) harms: From ethnopharmacological use to modern application

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acanthopanax senticosus (AS), previously classified as Eleutherococcus senticosus, is one of the most commonly used herbs in the Chinese materia medica. However, there is currently no comprehensive review summarising advances in AS research. AS has been used as a functional food and in various preparations since ancient times, to invigorate the liver and kidneys, replenish vitality, strengthen the bones, stimulate appetite, and improve memory. It is widely used in countries such as China, Korea, Japan, and Russia, for specific pharmacologic effects, although it contains various chemical components that ensure its broad-spectrum effect. Its chemical constituents mainly include glycosides and flavonoids. Over the past several decades, researchers worldwide have conducted systematic investigations on this herb. AS has positive pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular, central nervous, and immune systems. Representative pathways stimulated by AS are related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, cancer, and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B signalling. Importantly, AS is safe and exerts no significant adverse effects at normal doses.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To provide comprehensive insights into the ethnobotany, medicinal uses, chemical composition, pharmacological activity, and toxicology of AS to aid its future development and utilisation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information about AS was collected from various sources, including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine and scientific databases including scientific journals, books, and pharmacopoeia. We discuss the ethnopharmacology of AS from 1965 to 2020 and summarise the knowledge of AS phytochemicals, pharmacological activity, quality control, and toxicology.

CONCLUSIONS

From the current literature, we conclude that AS is a promising dietary Chinese herb with various potential applications owing to its multiple therapeutic effects.